OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 

OF  CALIFORNIA 

RIVERSIDE 


PUBLICATIONS 

OF   THE 

FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL 
HISTORY 


ZOOLOGICAL  SERIES 

VOLUME  IX 


CHICAGO,  U.  S.  A. 
1909 


FIELD  MUSEUM  OF   NATURAL  HISTORY. 

PUBLICATION   131. 
ZOOLOGICAL  SERIES.  VOL.  IX, 


THE    BIRDS   OF   ILLINOIS 
AND  WISCONSIN 


CHARLES   B.  CORY 
Curator  of  Department  of  Zoology. 


CHICAGO,  U.  S.  A. 
1909 


PREFACE. 


The  present  work  includes,  as  far  as  known,  all  species  and  sub- 
species of  birds  which  occur  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  the  total  num- 
ber being  398,  with  descriptions  of  their  various  plumages,  nests 
and  eggs,  and  geographical  distribution,  together  with  more  or  less 
brief  biographical  notes  concerning  them. 

The  keys  to  families  and  species  are  practically  the  same  as  those 
which  first  appeared  in  the  author's  Birds  of  Eastern  North  America, 
revised  to  meet  their  present  needs.  These  should  enable  the  stu- 
dent to  readily  identify  a  bird,  the  species  belonging  to  the  different 
families  being  arranged  according  to  the  length  of  the  wing  (measured 
from  carpus  to  tip) .  A  key  to  the  eggs  of  our  more  common  species 
is  also  included. 

Careful  comparison  of  large  series  of  specimens  has  shown  that 
while  adult  birds  of  the  same  species  differ  considerably  in  length, 
the  wing  measure  is  very  constant,  the  variation  in  a  large  number 
of  specimens  being  so  small  that,  allowing  for  possible  extremes,  we 
may  safely  arrange  our  birds  in  groups,  using  the  length  of  the 
wing  as  a  basis.  The  identification  of  any  species  then  becomes  a 
comparatively  simple  matter,  as  usually  the  birds  contained  in  each 
group  are  so  few  in  number  that  characteristic  differences  are  easily 
indicated. 

Let  us,  for  example,  assume  we  have  a  bird  before  us  which  we 
wish  to  identify;  we  should  first  learn  to  which  family  it  belongs. 
Turning  to  the  Key  to  Families,  we  find  this  a  simple  matter  (as  the 
families  are  few  and  the  illustrated  differences  in  the  bills  and  feet 
very  characteristic),  we  discover  our  bird  to  be  a  duck.  Having  as- 
certained the  family  to  which  the  bird  belongs,  we  turn  to  the  Key  to 
Species.  We  have,  of  course,  measured  the  wing  and  found  it  to 
be  5.90  inches  long,  measured  from  the  carpus  (bend  of  wing)  to 
tip.  (See  illustration,  "How  to  Measure  a  Bird,"  on  page  20.) 

We  now  turn  to  the  Ducks,  and  discover  they  are  divided  into 
subfamilies,  the  Bay  and  Sea  Ducks  having  a  flap  or  lobe  on  the  hind 
toe,  and  the  fresh-water  ducks,  or  River  and  Pond  Ducks  having,  no 
large  flap  on  the  hind  toe.  Our  bird  has  a  flap  on  its  hind  toe,  and  is 
evidently  a  salt-water  duck,  belonging  to  the  subfamily  Fuligulince. 

5 


6  PREFACE. 

This  subfamily,  we  find,  contains  two  sections:  Section  i,  having  the 
tail  feathers  not  stiff  and  pointed,  and  Section  2,  tail  feathers  stiff  and 
pointed.  Our  duck  has  stiff,  pointed  tail  feathers,  and  therefore  be- 
longs in  Section  2.  Section  2  contains  two  species,  one  having 
whole  front  of  head  and  cheeks  black,  the  other,  with  sides  of  head 
more  or  less  white.  As  our  duck  has  a  patch  of  white  on  the  side  of 
the  head,  it  must  therefore  be  the  Ruddy  Duck,  Erismatura  jamai- 
censis,  No.  66,  the  number  indicating  its  location  in  the  main  body 
of  the  work,  where  the  different  species  and  subspecies  are  treated 
in  their  proper  order  and  more  amplified  descriptions  of  the  various 
plumages  are  given. 

All  measurements  of  birds  are  given  in  inches  and  fractions  of  an 
inch.  The  diagrams  on  page  20  will  illustrate  how  a  bird  should  be 
measured,  and  the  chart  (page  12)  will  be  useful  to  the  student 
of  ornithology  who  may  not  be  familiar  with  the  technical  terms  used 
in  describing  birds.  Such  terms  as  primaries,  axillars,  carpus,  etc., 
should  be  learned  at  once.  It  is  customary  to  indicate  the  sexes  by 
the  signs  of  Mars  and  Venus;  the  male,  of  course,  being  given  that 
of  Mars,  c?,  and  the  female,  Venus,  9  . 

In  preparing  the  present  work  I  have  made  free  use  of  previous 
publications  by  various  authors,  due  credit  being  given  in  such  cases, 
and  I  wish  to  express  my  acknowledgments  and  thanks  to  Mr.  Isaac 
E.  Hess,  Mr.  Ruthven  Deane,  Mr.  Frank  M.  Woodruff,  Mr.  R.  Magoon 
Barnes,  Mr.  Girard  A.  Abbott,  Mr.  H.  K.  Coale,  Mr.  J.  Grafton  Parker, 
Mr.  B.  T.  Gault,  Mr.  H.  S.  Swarth  and  Mr.  John  F.  Ferry,  for  many 
notes,  and  records,  and  to  Mr.  Wm.  J.  Gerhard,  Assistant  Curator 
of  Entomology,  for  valuable  assistance  in  reading  and  correcting 
the  proofs. 

C.  B.  C. 


CONTENTS. 


PAGE 

TITLE-PAGE i 

PREFACE      5 

CONTENTS 7 

GLOSSARY n 

TOPOGRAPHY  OF  A  BIRD 12 

INTRODUCTION 13 

What  a  bird  is     .            .- 13 

The  wing 13 

The  tail 15 

The  leg  and  foot        .      .  1 6 

The  bill 17 

How  TO  MEASURE  A  BIRD 20,  21 

INDEX  TO  KEY  TO  FAMILIES.     WATER  BIRDS     ....  22 

KEY  TO  FAMILIES.     WATER  BIRDS 23 

GROUP  i.     Toes,  four,  with  lobate  webs,  or  webs  on  sides 

of  toes 23 

GROUP  2.     Toes,  four;  front  toes,  palmate  (full  webbed); 

hind  toe  not  connected  with  front  ones  by  web  24 
GROUP  3.     Toes,  four,  full  webbed;    hind  toe  connected 

with  front  ones  by  web 27 

GROUP  4.     Toes,  four,  not  full  webbed;  small  webs  be- 
tween toes  at  base,  or  toes  entirely  without  web  28 
Section  i.     Hind  toe,  raised  above  level  of  front  toes  28 
Section  2 .     Hind  toe,  on  level  with  front  toes      .  -     .  30 
GROUP  5.     Toes,  three,  full  webbed;  no  hind  toe  .      .      .  32 
GROUP  6.     Toes,   three;    a  small  web  between  toes,   or 

entirely  without  web 33 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  WATER  BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND 

WISCONSIN             .     '. 35 

FAMILY  COLYMBID^.     GREBES 3-,  275 

FAMILY  GAVIID^;.     LOONS 37,  282 

FAMILY  ALCID.E.     AUKS,  MURRES,  ETC 39,  279 

FAMILY  STERCORARIID^E.     SKUAS  AND  J^GERS   ...      .41,  286 

INDEX  TO  KEY  TO  FAMILY  LARID^E 42 

7 


8  CONTENTS. 

FAMILY  LARID^:.     GULLS  AND  TERNS 43,  a88 

SUBFAMILY  LARIN^;.     GULLS        .                  43>  289 

SUBFAMILY  STERNIN.E.     TERNS 47>  297 

FAMILY  ANHINGID^.     DARTERS,  SNAKE  BIRDS   ....  50,  307 

FAMILY  PHALACROCORACID.E.     CORMORANTS  .      .      .      .      .  51,  308 

FAMILY  PELECANID^.     PELICANS 52,  311 

FAMILY  FREGATID^;.     MAN-OF-WAR  BIRDS     .                       .  53,  314 

INDEX  TO  KEY  TO  FAMILY  ANATID.E        ...  54 

FAMILY  ANATID^E.     DUCKS,  GEESE,  AND  SWANS      .      .      .  56,  316 

SUBFAMILY  MERGING.     MERGANSERS,  SHELDRAKES    .      .  56,  316 

SUBFAMILY  ANATIN^;.     RIVER  AND  POND  DUCKS      .      .  58,  319 

SUBFAMILY  FULIGULIN^E.     BAY  AND  SEA  DUCKS        .      .  62,  331 

SUBFAMILY  ANSERINE.     GEESE         71,  347 

SUBFAMILY  CYGNIN.E.     SWANS 73,  354 

FAMILY  PLATALEID^E.     SPOONBILLS 75,  357 

FAMILY  IBIDID.E.     IBISES 76>  358 

FAMILY  CICONIID.E.     STORKS  AND  WOOD  IBISES      ...  77,  360 

FAMILY  ARDEID^;.     HERONS,  EGRETS,  AND  BITTERNS  .      .  78,  362 

FAMILY  GRUID.E.     CRANES 84,  375 

FAMILY  ARAMID^E.     COURLANS,  LIMPKINS      .  '   .      .      .      .85,  379 

FAMILY  RALLID^S.     RAILS,  GALLINULES,  AND  COOTS     .      .  86,  380 

SUBFAMILY  RALLIN.E.     RAILS 87,  381 

SUBFAMILY  GALLINULIN.E.     GALLINULES 89,  386 

SUBFAMILY  FULICIN^;.     COOTS 89,  387 

FAMILY  PHALAROPODID^E.     PHALAROPES 93,  389 

FAMILY  RECURVIROSTRID^E.     AVOCETS  AND  STILTS  .      .      .  95,  392 

INDEX  TO  KEY  TO  FAMILY  SCOLOPACID^; 91 

FAMILY  SCOLOPACID^E.     SNIPES,  SANDPIPERS,  CURLEWS,  ETC.  96,  395 

FAMILY  CHARADRIID.E.     PLOVERS in,  425 

FAMILY  APHRIZID^;.     TURNSTONES 114,  430 

INDEX  TO  KEY  TO  FAMILIES.     LAND  BIRDS        ....  115 

KEY  TO  FAMILIES  OF  LAND  BIRDS 117 

GROUP  i.     Birds  having  wings  less  than  1.75  inches  long; 
measured  bend  of  wing  (carpus)  to  tip  of  longest 

feather 117 

GROUP  2.     Birds  having  wings  1.75  to  2.75  inches  long   .  117 
Section  i.     First  primary,  less  than  half  as  long  as 

third 117 

Part  i.     Tip  of  upper  mandible  with  small  but 

distinct  hook  or  notch 117 

Part  2.     Upper  mandible  without  notch  or  hook 

at  tip     .      . ';   .     .  118 


CONTENTS.  9 

Section  2.     First  primary  more  than  half  as  long  as 

third 119 

Part  i.     Tip  of  upper  mandible  with  small  but 

distinct  hook  or  notch 119 

Part  2.     Tip  of  upper  mandible  not  notched  or 

hooked 120 

GROUP  3.     Birds  having  wings  measuring  from  2.75  to 

3.25  inches  long 121 

Section  i.     First  primary,  less  than  half  as  long  as 

third 121 

Part  i.     A  small  but  distinct  hook  or  notch  at 

tip  of  upper  mandible 121 

Part  2.    Tip  of  upper  mandible  not  notched  or 

hooked 121 

Section  2.  First  primary,   not  short,  always   more 

than  half  as  long  as  third 122 

Part  i.     Tip  of  upper  mandible  with  small  but 

distinct  hook  or  notch 122 

Part  2.     Tip  of  upper  mandible  not  notched       .  122 

GROUP  4.     Birds  having  wings  3.25  to  9.50  inches  long  .  124 

Section  i.     Bill  with  strong  hook  claws  armed  with 

talons 124 

Section  2.     Upper  mandible  with  distinct  hook  or 

notch  at  tip,  but  feet  not  armed  with  talons    .  125 

Section  3.     Upper  mandible  not  notched  or  hooked 

at  tip 126 

Part  i.     First  primary  less  than  half  as  long  as 

third 126 

Part  2.     First  primary  more  than  half  as  long  as 

third 128 

GROUP  5.     Birds  having  wings  over  9.50  inches  long        .  133 
KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  LAND  BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WIS- 
CONSIN              136 

FAMILY  TETRAONID^;.     GROUSE,  QUAIL,  ETC 136,  432 

SUBFAMILY  PERDICIN.E.     QUAIL  AND  PARTRIDGES      .      .    136,  432 

SUBFAMILY  TETRAONIN^;.     GROUSE  AND  PTARMIGAN     '.    136,  435 

FAMILY  PHASIANID.E.     PHEASANTS,  TURKEYS,  ETC.       .      .    139,  442 

SUBFAMILY  MELEAGRIN^;.     TURKEYS 139,  442 

FAMILY  COLUMBID.E.  .  PIGEONS  AND  DOVES        ....    139,  444 
FAMILY  CATHARTID.E.     AMERICAN  VULTURES     ....   141,  448 

INDEX  TO  KEY  TO  FAMILY  FALCONID^; 143 

FAMILY  FALCONID^E.     HAWKS,  FALCONS,  EAGLES,  ETC.     .    145,  451 


I0  CONTENTS. 

FAMILY  ALUCONID.E.  BARN  OWLS  .  ....  157,484 

FAMILY  STRIGID^.  HORNED  OWLS,  HOOT  OWLS  .  .  .  155,486 

FAMILY  PSITTACID^;.  PARROTS 160,  501 

FAMILY  CUCULID^;.  CUCKOOS 161,504 

FAMILY  ALCEDINID^;.  KINGFISHERS 162,  506 

FAMILY  PICID.E.  WOODPECKERS  .  163,  508 

FAMILY  CAPRIMULGID^.     NIGHT-HAWKS,  WHIP-POOR-WILLS  168,521 

FAMILY  MICROPODID^;.     SWIFTS      ...  ....  169,  525 

FAMILY  TROCHILID^;.  HUMMING-BIRDS  .  ...  169,  527 

FAMILY  TYRANNID^;.  FLYCATCHERS .  170,  529 

FAMILY  ALAUDID^E.  LARKS i75>  54° 

FAMILY  CORVID.E.  CROWS,  JAYS,  ETC .176,542 

SUBFAMILY  GARRULIN.E.     JAYS  AND  MAGPIES       .      .      .  176,543 

SUBFAMILY  CORVINE.     CROWS  AND  RAVENS    .      .      .      .178,  546 

FAMILY  ICTERID.E.    BLACKBIRDS,  ORIOLES,  MEADOWLARKS.  179,550 

INDEX  TO  KEY  TO  FAMILY  FRINGILLID.E 190 

FAMILY  FRINGILLID^;.  SPARROWS,  FINCHES,  CROSSBILLS, 

BUNTINGS,  ETC 192.  565 

FAMILY  TANGARID.E.  TANAGERS 220,  614 

FAMILY  HIRUNDINID^;.  SWALLOWS 222,  618 

FAMILY  BOMBYCILLID^E.  WAXWINGS  AND  CEDAR  BIRDS  .  225,  624 

FAMILY  LANIID.E.  SHRIKES 226, 627 

FAMILY  VIREONID^;.  VIREOS 227,  631 

INDEX  TO  KEY  TO  FAMILY  MNIOTILTID^E 231 

FAMILY  MNIOTILTID.E.  WARBLERS 233,  638 

FAMILY  MOTACILLID.E.  PIPITS  AND  WAGTAILS  ....  261,678 

FAMILY  TROGLODYTID^;.  WRENS 262,684 

FAMILY  MIMID^;.  THRASHERS,  CATBIRDS,  MOCKINGBIRDS  .  265,  680 

FAMILY  CERTHIID.E.  CREEPERS 266,  693 

FAMILY  SITTID.E.  NUTHATCHES 267,  694 

FAMILY  PARID^E.  TITMICE  AND  CHICKADEES  ....  268,  697 

FAMILY  SYLVIID.E.  KINGLETS  AND  GNATCATCHERS  .  .  269,  702 

FAMILY  TURDID^;.  THRUSHES,  BLUE-BIRDS,  ETC.  .  .  .  271,705 
THE  BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  SYSTEMATICALLY 

ARRANGED 275 

INDEX  TO  KEY  TO  EGGS 716 

KEY  TO  THE  EGGS  OF  THE  MORE  COMMON  BIRDS  KNOWN  TO 

BREED  IN  NORTHERN  ILLINOIS  AND  SOUTHERN  WISCONSIN  719 

BIBLIOGRAPHY 740 

INDEX 751 

MAP  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN 767 


GLOSSARY. 


Nearly  all  the  terms  used  in  describing  a  bird  may  be  more  easily 
and  clearly  understood  by  examining  the  illustrations  of  "bird  topo- 
graphy," on  page  12,  than  from  a  written  description;  a  few,  however, 
may  require  a  word  of  explanation. 

Culmen.  —  The  ridge  of  the  upper  mandible. 

Cere.  —  A  hard  skin-like  covering  on  the  base  of  the  upper  man- 
dible (Parrots,  Hawks,  etc.). 

Mandibles.  —  Some  authors  use  the  word  maxilla  for  the  upper  half 
of  the  bill,  and  mandible  for  the  lower.  I  prefer,  however,  to  describe 
the  two  halves  of  the  bill  as  upper  and  lower  mandible. 

Gonys.  —  Bend  of  under  mandible,  usually  used  to  include  the 
outline  of  under  mandible  from  angle  to  the  tip. 

Unguis.  —  The  nail  on  the  end  of  the  upper  mandible;  very  pro- 
nounced in  several  families  of  water  birds  (Ducks,  Pelicans,  and 
Petrels ) . 

Axillars  or  Axillary  Plumes.  —  Several  elongated  feathers  at  the 
junction  of  the  wing  and  body.  (Lat.  axilla,  the  arm-pit. ) 

Carpus  or  Carpal  Joint.  —  Bend  of  the  wing.  The  third  segment 
of  the  wing,  corresponding  to  the  wrist  (see  illustration ) . 

Speculum.  —  A  wing  band  or  patch  (usually  of  a  different  color 
from  the  rest  of  the  wing),  formed  by  the  terminal  portion  of  the 
secondaries;  very  noticeable  in  the  Ducks. 

Tarsus.  —  Extends  from  the  root  of  the  toes  to  the  end  of  the 
tibia  (what  appears  to  be  the  bend  of  the  leg  or  knee;  but  which  is, 
in  reality,  the  heel  joint).  See  illustration. 

Toes  Syndactyle.  —  Outer  and  middle  toes  more  or  less  joined  to- 
gether (Kingfisher,  etc.). 

Toes  Zygodactyle.  —  Arranged  in  pairs,  two  in  front,  two  behind 
(Cuckoos,  etc. ). 

Tarsus  Reticulate.  —  Covered  with  numerous  small,  uneven  scales, 
usually  more  or  less  rounded  (Plovers,  Geese,  etc. ). 

Tarsus  Scutellate.  —  Comparatively  large,  somewhat  square-cut 
scales,  one  above  the  other,  covering  the  front  of  the  tarsus. 


GLOSSARY. 


Booted  Tarsus.  —  Scales  fused  together  on  greater  portion  of 
tarsus  so  as  to  be  indistinct  or  invisible  except  on  lower  part  (Robins, 
etc.)- 

Superciliary  Stripe.  —  Stripe  over  the  eye. 


Under  Primary  CoeerU 


Lover  Mandible 

*9»2<. 


CarpalJoint --\" 
Letter  Winy  C'overti  •' 
Middle  Wing  Covertt  - 

Greater  Coverti "X 


Speculum 
.Auricular,  or  Ear  Coatrts 

\-tfape  Wing  of  Duck  showing  speculum. 


Rump 


Black -breast  P/over. 

-Bind  Tot 


TOPOGRAPHY  OF  A  .PLOVER 


INTRODUCTION. 


A  bird  is  a  feathered  vertebrate  animal;  or,  to  describe  it  more 
fully,  it  is  an  air-breathing,  warm-blooded,  feathered,  oviparous  (egg- 
laying),  vertebrate  animal,  having  a  four-chambered  heart,  and  a 
complete  double  circulation.  Birds  occupy  a  place  in  nature  inter- 
mediate between  the  mammals  and  the  reptiles,  and  many  naturalists 
consider  a  bird  to  be  merely  a  modified  reptile. 

These  feathered  vertebrates  are  recognized  by  zoologists  as  be- 
longing to  a  Class  named  Aves  to  distinguish  them  from  other  animals, 
and  the  Class  is  separated  into  subclasses,  which  in  turn  are  again 
subdivided  into  orders,  suborders,  families,  subfamilies,  genera  and 
subgenera  and  finally  into  species  and  subspecies. 

Birds  belonging  to  the  same  family,  but  which  show  decided  and 
constant  differences,  are  recognized  as  species,  whereas  if  the  differ- 
ences in  color  or  size  are  not  very  great  and  intermediate  forms  occur 
showing  an  intergradation  from  one  to  the  other,  they  are  called  races 
or  subspecies.  Races  or  subspecies  are  really  species  in  process  of 
development,  and  are  caused  by  difference  in  climate,  food,  etc. 

It  should  be  borne  in  mind,  however,  that  the  line  of  demarkation 
between  a  species  and  a  subspecies  is  a  purely  arbitrary  one,  and  is 
largely  a  matter  of  individual  opinion.  Subspecies  are  distinguished 
by  a  third  name;  for  example,  Dendroica  palmar-urn  hypochrysea 
is  a  race  or  subspecies  of  Dendroica  palmarum. 

Having  learned  something  as  to  what  a  bird  is,  let  us  take  up  in 
order  the  more  important  external  parts,  such  as  the  wing,  tail,  bill, 
and  feet. 


THE    WING. 

As  an  aid  to  identification,  the  wing  characters  are  most  impor- 
tant. The  terms  primaries,  secondaries,  axillars,  wing  coverts,  etc., 
are  constantly  used  in  describing  birds,  and  the  student  should  learn 
to  recognize  them  at  a  glance. 

13 


14       FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Carpus 


The  Rem- 
iges  are  the 
flight  feathers 
of  the  wing, 
and  the  Tec- 
trices  are  the 
small  feathers 
covering  the 
upper  part  of 
the  wing  or 
shoulder  (see 
illustration), 
and  are  usually 
called  coverts. 
The  r  e  m  i  g  e  s 
are  divided 
into  primaries, 
secondaries,  and  tertials,  according  to  the  location  in  the  wing. 

The  Primaries  are  the  feathers  growing  from  the  outer  section 
of  the  wing;  that  is  to  say,  from  the  outer  bend  of  the  wing  (carpus ) 
to  tip,  C  to  D,  the  number  ranging  from  9  to  10  (and  rarely  n  )  in 
various  families.  At  first,  it  is  not  always  easy  to  distinguish  the 
last  primary  from  the  first 
secondary;  but  experience  is  A 
the  best  teacher,  and  the  point 
can  always  be  settled  by  exam- 
ining the  roots  of  the  feathers. 
The  Secondaries  are  the 
remiges  attached  to  the  ulna 
or  forearm,  B  to  C  (see  illus- 
tration ) ;  they  number  from 
6  to  40  in  the  various  families, 
the  Humming-bird  having  the 
smallest  number,  and  the  Al- 
batross more  than  40. 

The  Tertials  are  the  few  remaining  remiges  which  grow  from  the 
humerus,  A  to  B. 

The  Tectrices,  or  Wing  Coverts,  are  small  feathers  covering  the 
larger  wing  feathers;  the  feathers  lining  the  edge  of  the  under  surface 
of  the  wing  are  called  under  wing  coverts.  The  outer  wing  coverts 
are  divided  and  described  as  greater  wing  coverts,  middle  wing  coverts, 
and  lesser  wing  coverts,  respectively.  (See  illustration.) 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 

Under  Primary,  Coefrtt 
ffndtr  Wing  Covert* 


Carput 


Primaries 


•-•AriUart  or  Axillary  Plume* 


Under  Surface  of  Wing. 

The  Speculum.  A  term  used  to  indicate  a  patch  or  band  on  thp 
wing  (usually  of  different  color  from  the  rest  of  the  feathers),  formed 
by  the  terminal  portion  of  the  secondaries,  very  noticeable  in  the 
Ducks.  (See  illustration,  page  12.) 

The  Axillary  Plumes,  or  Axillars,  are  an  important  aid  in  the  iden- 
tification of  many  species ;  these  are  several  rather  elongated  feathers 
growing  from  the  armpit  (axilla],  at  the  junction  of  the  wing  and 
body. 

THE    TAIL. 

The  Rectices,  or  Tail  Feathers,  proper,  number  from  8  to  24,  and 
in  some  very  few  cases  even  more.  By  far  the  greater  number  of 
birds,  however,  have  12  rectices.  The  small  feathers  overlapping 
the  rectices  are  called  upper  tail  coverts,  while  those  below  are  the 
under  tail  coverts  or  crissum,  although  the  latter  term  is  often  used 
to  include  the  region  immediately  about  the  vent. 


forked  toi* 


16       FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


THE    LEG    AND    FOOT. 

A  bird's  leg  may  be  briefly  described  as  having  only  the  knee 
downward  exposed;  the  true  thigh  is  concealed,  but  may  be  felt 
under  the  skin  on  the  side  of  the  body.  The  true  knee  is  close  to  the 


Booted  Taratu        Scutdlatt  Tarsui 


body  just  under  the  skin.  The  first  exposed  joint,  which  is  apparently 
the  knee,  is  really  the  heel.  (See  illustration.)  The  bird  does  not 
walk  on  the  foot  (from  the  heel  downward),  but  merely  walks  on  its 
toes. 


Types  of  Feet.  —  Water  Birds. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  17 

The  Tarsus,  which  is  measured  from  the  bend  of  the  leg  (end  of 
tibia )  to  the  roots  of  the  toes  (C  to  D  in  illustration ) ,  is  an  important 
factor  in  the  identification  of  many  species.  The  feet  are  very  variable 
in  shape  and  arrangement  of  the  toes.  These  variations  are  of  the 
greatest  importance,  representing  generic  and,  often,  family  differences. 

The  Toes  are  usually  three  or  four  (the  Ostrich  has  but  two), 
the  greater  number  having  three  in  front  and  one  behind;  sometimes 
two  in  front  and  two  behind  (Zygodactyle);  two  in  front  and  one 
behind;  or,  in  one  family  (not  North  America),  all  four  turned  for- 
ward. Some  families  have  the  outer  and  middle  toes  joined  or  fused 
together  for  part  of  their  length  (Syndactyle),  as  in  the  Kingfisher. 
Some  species  have  webbed  feet,  others  have  the  toes  armed  with 
curved  talons,  and  so  on;  but  the  various  differences  with  which  we 
wish  to  become  familiar  can  better  be  illustrated  than  described. 


Foot  of  Sparrow 


Foot  of  three-toed  Woodpecker     Types  of  Feet.  —  Land  Birds. 


THE    BILL. 

The  Bill  consists  of  an  upper  and  a  lower  mandible,  both  of  which 
are  movable.  The  shape  is  of  great  assistance  in  determining  the 
family  to  which  the  species  belong.  Four  principal  types  are  recog- 
nized :  — 

i.  Epignathous.  Upper  mandible  longer  than  lower;  the  tip 
bent  or  hooked  over  the  end  of  lower  mandible.  (Examples:  Hawks, 
Gulls,  Petrels,  Parrots. ) 


i8       FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

2.  Hypognathous.     Lower   mandible   longer   than    upper    man- 
dible.    (Example:    Black  Skimmers,  Rhynchops.} 

3.  Paragnathous.     Both  mandibles  of  about  equal  length. 

4.  Metagnathous.     Mandibles      crossed.      (Example:    Crossbill, 
Loxia. ) 

The  shape  and  size  of  the  bill  vary  greatly,  as  will  be  seen  by  the 
following  illustrations  representing  fifteen  of  the  principal  types 
among  our  birds :  — 


Cere.  A  membrane  (usually  hard ) ,  which  covers  the  base  of  the 
upper  mandible.  (Hawks,  Parrots,  Jaegers.) 

Nasal  Fossa,  or  Nasal  Groove.     Groove  in  which  the  nostrils  open. 

Gonys.  Bend  of  lower  mandible;  usually  used  to  include  the 
outline  of  the  under  mandible,  from  the  angle  to  the  tip. 

Culmen.     The  ridge  of  the  upper  mandible. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  19 

Unguis.  The  nail  on  the  end  of  the  upper  mandible.  Very  pro- 
nounced in  some  families  of  Water  Birds.  (Ducks,  Pelicans,  and 
Petrels.) 

Mandibles.  —  Some  authors  use  the  word  maxilla  for  the  upper 
half  of  the  bill,  and  mandible,  for  the  lower.  I  prefer,  however,  to 
describe  the  two  halves  of  the  bill  as  upper  and  lower  mandible. 


HOW    TO    MEASURE   A    BIRD. 

te,,gth 


For  description,  see  page  21. 


HOW  TO  MEASURE  A  BIRD, 

See  illustration,  page  2.0. 


Wing.  —  Distance  from  carpal  joint  C  (bend  of  wing)  to  the  tip 
of  the  longest  primary  D.  See  cut  on  page  20. 

Length.  —  Distance  in  a  straight  line  from  the  end  of  the  bill  to 
the  tip  of  the  longest  tail  feather.  (Occasionally  the  middle 
feathers  are  much  elongated,  as  in  the  Old  Squaw  and  Pintail 
Duck,  and  in  other  families  of  birds,  such  as  Phoethon  and  Stercora- 
rius.  In  such  cases  it  is  well  to  give  the  length  from  bill  to  longest 
tail  feather,  and  also  to  end  of  outer  tail  feather. ) 

Tail.  — -  Distance  from  the  tip  of  the  longest  tail  feather  to  its  base 
(the  point  where  it  enters  the  body ) . 

Bill.  —  The  distance  in  a  straight  line  from  where  the  bill  (upper 
mandible)  joins  the  skin  of  the  forehead  (A)  to  the  tip  (B). 
(There  are  a  few  exceptions  to  this  rule,  in  some  families,  such  as 
birds  with  frontal  plate,  etc.  Some  curved  bills  are  measured  along 
the  curve  of  the  culmen,  and  at  times  it  is  advisable  to  measure  from 
the  nostril  to  the  tip  of  the  bill,  but  in  such  cases  it  should  always  be 
so  stated. ) 

Tarsus.  —  Distance  in  front  of  the  leg  from  what  appears  to  be  the 
knee  joint  (end  of  tibia)  to  the  root  of  the  middle  toe. 

All  measurements  are  given  in  inches  and  fractions  of  an  inch. 


INDEX  TO   KEY   TO   FAMILIES. 
WATER    BIRDS. 

Group  i.     Toes,  four,  with  lobate  web  or  web  on  sides  of  toes. 
See  page  23. 


Group  2.     Toes,  four;  front  toes,  palmate  (full  webbed );  hind  toe, 
not  connected  with  front  ones  by  web.     See  page  24. 


Group  3.     Toes,  four;    totipalmate  (all  toes  full  webbed);    hind 
toe,  connected  with  front  ones  by  web.     See  page  27. 


Group  4.  Toes,  four,  not  full  webbed;  small  web  between  toes 
at  base,  or  toes  entirely  without  web;  hind  toe,  sometimes  very  small. 
See  page  28. 


Section  i .     Hind  toe,  raised  above  level  of  front  toes.    See  page  28. 
Section  2.     Hind  toe,  on  same  level  with  front  toes.     See  page  30. 
Group  5.     Toes,  three,  full  webbed;    no  hind  toe.     See  page  32. 
Group  6.     Toes,  three,  not   full  webbed;    a  small  web  between 
toes  at  base,  or  toes  entirely  without  web.     See  page  33. 


WATER  BIRDS. 

KEY  TO   FAMILIES. 

GROUP  1.     Toes,  four;  with  lobate  webs,  or  webs  on  sides 

of  toes. 


Bill,  pointed;  feet,  placed  far  back,  near  tail;   underparts,  silvery 
white: 'tail,  very  short.  Family  COL YMBID^.     Grebes. 

See  page  35. 


Forehead,   with   bare   shield;    bill,    rather   short;     general   color, 
slaty  gray;  toes,  with  lobate  webs. 

Family  RALLID^E.     Subfamily  FULICIN^.     Coots. 

See  page  89. 


24     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Hind  toe,  elevated  above  the  level  of  the  others;    bill,  slender; 
nostrils,  opening  through  slits;   sides  of  toes,  webbed. 

Family  PHALAROPODID^.     Phalaropes. 

See  pages  91,  93. 


GROUP  2.      Toes,  four;    front  toes,  palmate  (full  webbed); 
hind  toe,  not  connected  with  front  ones  by  web. 

Bill,  straight  and  point- 
ed; tarsus,  flattened;  hind 
toe,  with  flap  or  lobe;  feet, 
placed  far  back  near  the 
tail;  tail,  very  short. 
Family  GAVIID^E.  Loons. 
See  page  37. 

Nostrils,  separate,  not  tubular;  bill,  with  cere  (a  horny  or  skin- 
like  covering  on  base  of  upper  mandible ) ;  hind  toe,  sometimes  very 
small;  end  of  upper  mandible  (unguis),  swollen  and  somewhat 
rounded;  back  and  wings,  always  dark,  sometimes  sooty,  sometimes 
barred  with  brown;  tail,  never  white  or  gray,  usually  very  dark; 


middle  tail  feathers,  longest,  but  only  very  long  in  adult  birds,  some- 
times only  slightly  longer  than  rest  of  tail  feathers  in  immature  birds. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  25 

In  brown  plumages,  the  axillars  (feathers  extending  from  armpit) 
are  heavily  barred,  brown  and  white;  in  other  plumages,  the  axillars 
and  under  wing  coverts  are  sooty  brown  or  dark  slaty  brown. 

Family  STERCORARIID^.     Skuas  and  Jaegers. 

See  page  41. 


Nostrils,  separate,  not  tubular;  bill,  without  cere;  hind  toe,  some- 
times very  small;  upper  mandible,  curved;  unguis  (end  of  bill), 
not  swollen;  middle  tail  feathers,  about  equal  in  length  to  the  others; 
tail,  rarely  dark,  although  sometimes  tipped  with  black  or  brown; 
axillars  and  under  wing  coverts,  white  or  gray,  sometimes  with  narrow 
gray  lines  or  faint  wavy  bars. 

Family  LARID^E.     Subfamily  LARIN^.     Gulls. 

See  page  42. 


Nostrils,  separate,  not  tubular;  hind  toe,  sometimes  very  small; 
upper  mandible,  nearly  straight,  not  hooked  or  decidedly  rounded  near 
tip;  outer  tail  feathers,  usually  longer  than  middle  feathers. 

Family  LARID^E.     Subfamily  STERNIN^E.     Terns. 

See  page  42. 

Bill,  long  and  narrow,  having  tooth-like  serrations  on  edges; 
toes,  four,  the  front  ones,  full  webbed;  hind  toe,  with  flap. 

Family  ANATID^.     Subfamily  MERGING.     Mergansers. 

See  pages  54,^56- 


Top  of  bill  of  Merganser. 


Side  of  bill. 


26     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Bill,  not  narrow;  tarsus,  scutellate  in  front 
(transverse  scales);  toes,  four,  the  front  ones,  full 
webbed;  hind  toes,  without  decided  flap  or  lobe. 

Family  ANATID^.     Subfamily  ANATIN^E. 
River  and  Pond  Ducks. 
See  pages  54,  5  8. 


Bill,  not  narrow;  tarsus,  scutellate  in  front  (trans- 
verse scales );  toes,  four,  the  front  ones,  full  webbed; 
hind  toe,  with  flap  or  lobe. 

Family  ANATID^).     Subfamily  FULIGULIN^). 

Sea  Ducks. 
See  pages  54,  62. 


Lores,  feathered;   tarsus,  reticulate  (scales  rounded );    wing,  more 
than  thirteen  inches  long;  toes,  four,  the  front  ones  full  webbed. 

Family  ANATIDJE.     Subfamily  ANSERINE.     Geese  and  Brant. 

See  pages  55,  71. 


Geese  and  Swan. 


Lores,  partly  bare;  tarsus,  recticulate  (scales  rounded);  size, 
large;  neck,  long;  wing,  over  eighteen  inches  long;  plumage,  white 
or  gray.  Family  ANATID^.  Subfamily  CYGNIN^E.  Swans. 

See  pages  55,  73. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


GROUP    3.       Toes,     four,     totipalmate     (front     toes,     full 
webbed);   hind  toe,  connected  with  front  ones  by  web. 


Bill,  sharp-pointed  and  slender;  chin,  bare;  neck, 
long  and  slender;  toes,  four,  all  connected  by  webs; 
middle  tail  feathers,  corrugated  or  fluted. 

Family  ANHINGID^.     Darters,  Snake  Birds. 
See  page  50. 


Bill,  hooked  at  tip,  over  twelve  inches 
long  and  having  a  large  pouch;  lores,  bare; 
toes,  four,  all  connected  by  webs. 

Family  PELECANID^.     Pelicans. 

See  page  52. 


Bill,  hooked  at  tip,  and  less  than  twelve  inches  long;,  bare  skin 

at  base  of  bill  and  chin;  lores,  bare;  toes,  four,  all  connected  by  webs. 

Family  PHALACROCORACID^.     Cormorants. 

See  page  51. 


Bill,  hooked  at  tip;  lores,  feathered;  upper 
plumage,  entirely  black;  toes,  four,  all  con- 
nected by  webs;  tail,  forked;  wings,  very  long. 

Family  FREGATID^.  Man-of-war  Birds, 
Frigate  Birds.  See  page  52. 


28     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


GROUP  4.     Toes,    four,    not  full    webbed;    small    webs    be- 
tween toes  at  base,  or  toes  entirely  without  webs; 
hind  toe,  sometimes  very  small. 

SECTION   1.      Hind  toe,  raised  above  level  of  front  toes. 


Avocet. 


Tarsus,  over  3.50  inches  long;    bill,  curved  upward  or  straight. 
Family  RECURVIROSTRID^E.     Avocets. 

See  pages  91,  95. 


Tarsus  less  than  3.50  inches  long,  with  transverse  scales  in  front; 
middle  toe  and  claw  together  shorter  than  bill,  except  a  few  of  the 
small  species,  which  have  middle  toe  and  claw  equal  to  or  longer  than 
bill;  but  all  such  have  the  belly  and  under  tail  coverts  pure  white  in 
most  plumages. 

Family  SCOLOPACID^).     Snipe,  Curlews,  Sandpipers,  etc. 

See  pages  91,  96. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


2Q 


Hind  toe,  higher  than  front  ones;  lower  back  and  rump,  white, 
with  black  band  across  rump.  Family  APHRIZID^.  Turnstones. 

See  pages  92,  114. 

Hind  toe,  higher  than  front  ones;  hind  toe,  very  small,  hardly 
noticeable;  bill,  black,  rather  short  and  stout;  all  other  species  be- 
longing to  this  family  (in  North  America)  have  but  three  toes. 

Family  CHARADRIID^E.     Black-bellied  Plover. 
(Squaterola  squaterola.) 
See  page  113. 


Plover.  Black-bellied  Plover. 

Hind  toe,  above  level  of  front  toes;  bill,  less  than  3 
inches  long;  toes,  four,  no  comb-like  edge  on  inner  side 
of  middle  toe  nail;  middle  toe  and  claw  together  not 
shorter  than  bill,  usually  decidedly  longer;  under 
tail  coverts,  not  white. 

Family  RALLID^.     Rails,  etc. 
See  pages  86,  87. 


King  Rail. 


Hind  toe,   above  level   of   front   toes; 
bill,  over  3   inches  long;     wing,  over  16       ^ 
inches;  tarsus,  over  7  inches;  toes,  four,      M 
no  comb-like  edge  on  inner  side  of  middle 

toe  nail;  lores,  with  hair-like  bristles.     Family  GRUID^E.     Cranes. 

See  page  84. 


30     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Hind  toe,  above  level  of  front  toes;  bill,  over  3 
inches  long;  tarsus,  under  7;  wing,  under  16;  toes, 
four,  no  comb-like  edge  on  inner  side  of  middle  toe 
nail;  under  mandible,  often  slightly  twisted  near  tip; 
plumage,  dark  brown  with  white  streaks. 

Family  ARAMID^E.     Courlans. 
See  page  85. 

SECTION  2.      Hind  toe,  on  level  with  front  toes. 


Toes,  long  and  slender;  bill,  short  and  pointed;  a  bare  shield  or 
plate  on  forehead;  wing,  about  7  inches  long,  carpus  (bend  of  wing) 
to  tip;  under  tail  coverts,  white. 

Family  RALLID^E.     Subfamily  GALLINULIN^E. 
Purple  Gallinule,  or  Florida  Gallinule. 
See  page  89. 


Herons  and  Bitterns. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  31 

Bill,  nearly  straight  and  sharply  pointed;  inner  side  of  middle  toe 
nail,  with  distinct  comb-like  edge;  toes,  four,  all  on  same  level.  Bit- 
terns, tail  with  ten  feathers.  Herons,  tail  with  twelve  feathers. 

Family  ARDEID^.     Herons,  Egrets,  and  Bitterns. 

See  page  78. 


Greater  part  of  plumage,  white;  bill,  very 
large  and  stout,  rounded  and  somewhat  curved; 
tarsus,  always  over  five  inches  long;  toes,  four,  all 
on  same  level ;  no  comb-like  edge  on  inner  side  of 
middle  toe  nail;  wing,  over  16  inches  long. 

Family  CICONIID^.  Storks  and  Wood  Ibises. 
See  page  77. 


Bill,  long,  rather  slender,  and  de- 
cidedly curved  downward;  tarsus, 
always  less  than  five  inches  long;  toes, 
four,  all  on  the  same  level ;  no  comb- 
like  edge  on  side'of  middle  toe  nail. 


Family  IBIDID^.     Ibises. 

See  page  76. 


32     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Bill,  flat,  paddle  shaped  at  the  end;  toes,  four, 
all  on  same  level;  wing  (carpus  to  tip),  over 
twelve  inches  long. 

Family  PLATALEID^.     Spoonbills. 

See  page  75. 


GROUP  5.     Toes,  three,  full  webbed;  no  hind  toe. 

Nostrils,  separate,  not  opening  into  one  double-barrelled  tube 
upper  mandible,  curved  near  tip;  bill,  yellowish,  or  greenish  yellow 
an  indication  of  a  hind  toe,  in  the  form  of  a  small 
knob  without  nail;  tail,  entirely  white,  or  white 
with  black  band  near  tip.  This  is  the  only  North 
American  gull  lacking  a  hind  toe. 

Family  LARID^.     Rissa  tridactyla. 
Kittiwake  Gull. 
See  page  44. 


Murres. 


Legs  placed  far  back  near  the  tail;  bill,  black  or  brownish;  wing, 
over  6.50  inches  long,  carpus  (bend  of  wing)  to  tip. 

Family  ALCID^.     Auks  and  Murres. 
See  page  39. 


Size,  small;    tail,  very  short;     bill,  black  or 
brownish;    wing,  less  than  6.50  inches  long. 

Family  ALCID^.     Murrelet,  Dovekies,  etc. 
See  page  39. 


JAX..  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


33 


GROUP  6.     Toes,  three;  a  small  web  between  toes,  or,  en- 
tirely without  web. 


Toes,  three;  bill,  slender;  wing,  about  5  inches;  bill,  about  one 
inch;  this  is  the  only  representative  of  this  family  with  three  toes, 
all  others  have  four;  tarsus,  less  than  1.50  inches  long. 

Family  SCOLOPACID^.     Calidris  leucophaa. 
Sanderling  Sandpiper. 
See  page  103. 


Toes,  three,  partly  webbed;   tarsus,  over  3  inches  long;    general 
plumage,  black  and  white;   legs,  pink  red  in  life. 

Family  RECURVIROSTRID^E.     Stilts. 
See  pages  91/95. 


34     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Toes,  three;  front  of  tarsus  with  small  rounded  scales;  bill, 
short;  some  species  have  bill  less  than  three-quarters  inch  long ;  none 
have  bill  over  two  inches  long. 

Family  CHARADRIID.E.     Plovers. 
See  pages  92,  in. 


WATER  BIRDS. 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES. 


Family   COLYMBID^.      The   Grebes. 

Special  Characters:  Bill,  straight  and  pointed;  toes,  four,  with 
lobate  webs;  hind  toe  elevated  above  the  rest;  tail  feathers  appar- 
ently wanting;  legs  placed  far  back. 

! 


Toes,  four;  three  in  front,  one  behind,  with  lobate  webs. 


Podilymbus 
podiceps.  3- 


36     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


*GROUP  1.     Wing,  less  than  6.50  inches  long. 

Depth  of  bill  at  base  of  culmen,  over  .40.  Upper  parts,  glossy 
brownish  black;  sides  of  body  and  neck,  tinged  with  brown,  belly 
white. 

In  summer:  Bill,  with  black  band;  throat,  black.  In  winter: 
Bill,  without  black  band;  throat,  white.  Podilymbus  podiceps. 

Pied-billed  Grebe.     Hell  Diver. 
See  No.  5. 

Depth  of  bill  at  base  of  culmen,  less  than  .40;  upper  mandible, 
nearly  straight  and  decidedly  flattened  at  nostril;  under  mandible, 
straight  for  about  three-fourths  of  its  length  and  then  sharply 
ascending.  Colymbus  nigricollis  californicus. 

American  Eared  Grebe. 
See  No.  4. 

Depth  of  bill  at  base  of  culmen,  less  than  .40;  top  of  upper 
mandible  (culmen),  curved  and  not  flattened  at  nostrils;  under 
mandible,  not  as  sharply  ascending  near 
the  tip.  While  the  summer  plumages  of 
calif  ornicus  and  auritus  are  very  different, 
the  winter  plumages  are  similar. 

In  summer:  Two  small  tufts  of  grayish- 
brown  or  buff-colored  feathers,  behind  the 
eye;  crown,  nape,  and  throat,  black. 

In  winter:  Plain  colored,  without  black  or 
buff  on  head;  upper  plumage,  grayish 

black;    under  parts,  silvery  white,   often  tinged   with  ash  gray  on 
throat  and  sides;   no  developed  plumes  behind  the  eye. 

Colymbus  auritus. 
Horned  Grebe. 
See  No.  3. 

*  GROUP  2.      Wing,  over  6.50  inches  long. 

Nostril  to  tip  of  bill,  less  than  2  inches ;  tarsus  with  middle  toe  and 
claw  together,  less  than  5.50. 

In  summer:  Crown,  black;  upper  throat,  gray;  lower  throat  and 
breast,  chestnut  rufous;  rest  of  underparts,  silvery  grayish  white. 

*  For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 


JAN.,  1909.      BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 
In  winter:  No  rufous  brown  on  throat  or  breast. 


37 


Colymbus  holbcellii. 
Holboell's  Grebe. 
See  No.  2. 

Nostril  to  tip  of  bill,  over  2  inches ;  tarsus  and  middle  toe  with  claw 
together,  over  5.50  inches. 

In  winter:    Ends  of  primaries  brown,  shading  into  white  at  base; 
upper  plumage,  dark;  under  parts,  silvery  white. 

^•Echmophorus  occidentalis. 
Western  Grebe. 
See  No.  i. 


Family    GAVIID^.      Loons. 

Special  Characters:  Bill,  straight  and  pointed;  tail,  short;  toes, 
four ;  front  toes,  palmate  (full  webbed ) ;  tarsus,  flattened ;  hind  toe, 
with  flap  or  small  lobe;  legs  placed  far  back  near  the  tail. 


Loons. 


Winter. 


38     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

*GROUP  1.     Wing,  9.50  to  ii  inches  long. 

Back,  with  white  spots;    throat,  white  or  whitish    (immature  or 
winter).  Gavia  stellata. 

Red-throated  Loon. 
See  No.  9. 

Back,  without  distinct  white  spots;  the  feathers,  edged  with  ashy; 
throat,  white  or  dusky  (immature  or  winter).  Gavia  arctica. 

Black-throated  Loon. 
See  No.  8. 

Head,  ashy  gray;   throat,  black  (adult).  Gavia  arctica. 

Black-throated  Loon'. 
See  No.  8. 

Throat,  gray;   front  of  neck,  chestnut  brown   (adult). 

Gavia  stellata. 
Red-throated  Loon. 
See  No.  9. 

*GROUP  2.     Wing,  n  to  15  inches  long. 

SECTION   1.      Depth  of  bill  at  base,  more  than  .85. 
Head,  black  (adult).  Gavia  immer. 

Loon. 

See  No.  7. 

Top  of  head,  grayish;    throat,  white   (immature  or  winter  plum- 
age). Gavia  immer. 

Loon. 
See  No.  7. 

SECTION  2.      Depth  of  bill  at  base,  less  than  .85. 
Head,  ash  gray;  throat,  black  (adult).  Gavia  arctica. 

Black-throated  Loon. 
See  No.  8. 

Throat,  gray;  front  of  neck,  chestnut  brown  (adult ) . 

Gavia  stellata. 
Red-throated  Loon. 
See  No.  9. 

*  For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 


JAN.,  1909.      BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  39 

Back,  with  white  spots;    throat,  white  or  whitish  (immature  or 
winter).  Gavia  stellata. 

Red-throated  Loon. 
See  No.  9. 

Back,  without  distinct  white  spots;  the  feathers,  edged  with  ashy; 
throat,  white  or  dusky  (immature  or  winter).  Gavia  arctica. 

Black-throated  Loon. 
See  No.  8. 


*GROUP  3.      Wing,  over  15  inches  long. 

Feet,  webbed;  head,  black,  in  adult;  head,  gray;  throat,  whitish, 
in  immature.  Gavia  immer. 

Loon. 
See  No.  7. 


Family  ALCID^E.      Auks,  Murres,  etc.,   etc. 


Toes,  three ;  no  hind  toe   (hallux ) ;  toes,  palmate  (full 
webbed ) ;   nostrils,  separate,  and  not  tubular. 


*GROUP  1.     Wing,  less  than  6  inches  long. 

Summer  plumage:  Sides  of  neck  and  stripe  on  side  of  occiput  and 
through  the  eye,  white;  rest  of  head,  black;  back,  plumbeous,  with 
lateral  streaks  of  white;  under  parts,  white. 

Winter  plumage:  Head,  dusky;  back,  plumbeous;  throat  and 
under  parts,  white.  Length,  about  10  inches;  wing,  5.40;  bill,  .65. 

Synthliboramphus  antiquus. 
Ancient  Murrelet. 
See  No.  6. 

*  For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 


40 


FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Winter  plumage:^  Upper  parts,  black,  or  blackish; 
under  parts,  white;  length,  about  8  inches;  wing,  about 
4.50;  bill,  .50.  A  lie  alle. 

Dovekie,  or  Little  Auk. 
See  No.  61. 


*GROUP  2.  Wing,  over  6.50  inches  long. 
Summer  plumage:  Length,  about  16;  wing,  about  8;  head,  back, 
wings,  and  tail,  dark  sooty  brown;  under  parts  and  tips  of  secondaries, 
white.  Winter  plumage:  Under  parts,  white,  more  or  less  marked 
with  sooty  brown  or  blackish  about  the  throat,  belly,  and  flanks; 
bill,  usually  over  1.60.  Maritime  species  —  not  recorded  from  Illinois 
or  Wisconsin..  Uria  troile. 

Murre. 

Similar  to  Uria  troile,  but  has  the  head  darker  than  the  throat; 
size  slightly  larger;  length,  about  16.50;  wing,  about  8.20;  bill, 
usually  under  1.60.  No  record  for  Illinois  or  Wisconsin,  but  has 
been  taken  in  Indiana,  Michigan,  etc.  Uria  lomvia. 

Brunnich's  Murre. 
See  page  281. 

*For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 


ORDER   LONGIPENNES. 

LONG-WINGED    SWIMMERS.      J^GERS,    GULLS,    TERNS,    ETC. 

Family   STERCORARIID^.       The   Skuas 
and    Jaegers. 

Special  Characters:  Nostrils,  separate  and  not  tubular;  bill, 
with  cere;  front  toes,  palmate  (full  webbed);  hind  toe,  small,  but 
always  present  and  without  web ;  end  of  upper  mandible  (unguis ) , 
swollen  and  somewhat  rounded;  plumage,  always  dark,  sometimes 
sooty,  sometimes  barred  with  brown;  tail,  never  white  or  gray; 
middle  tail  feathers,  longest.  The  cere,  a  hard  skin-like  covering  on 
base  of  upper  mandible,  well  distinguishes  them  from  the  Gulls. 


*GROUP  1.      Wing,  n  to  15  inches  long. 
Under  parts,  not  entirely  pure  white;  bill,  over  1.35;  tarsus,  over 
i. 80;    middle  tail  feathers,  not  pointed;    plumage,  sometimes  dark 
brown;    sometimes  mixed  gray,  brown,  and  white. 

Stercorarius  pomarinus. 
Pomarine  Jaeger. 
See  No.  10. 

Bill,  under  1.35;  tarsus,  under  1.80;  middle  tail  feathers,  pointed; 
base  of  unguis  to  frontal  feathers,  less  than  length  of  unguis ;  shafts  of 
primaries,  yellowish  white.  Stercorarius  longicaudus . 

Long-tailed  Jaeger. 

See    No.    n. 

Bill,  under  1.35;  tarsus,  under  1.80;  middle  tail  feathers,  pointed; 
base  of  unguis  to  frontal  feathers,  greater  than  length  of  unguis; 

shafts  of  primaries,  yellowish  white.  Stercorarius  parasiticus. 

Parasitic  Jaeger. 
See  page  288. 

*  For  directions  for  measurement  see  page  2 1 . 
41 


INDEX   TO   KEY. 


Family    LARID^.      Gulls   and    Terns. 
Subfamily   LARINvE.      Gulls. 

Tail,  usually  nearly  square. 

GROUP  1.     Wing,  9.50  to  n  inches  long        See  page  43. 
GROUP  2.     Wing,  n  to  13  inches  long  .  "       "     44. 

GROUP  3.     Wing,  13  to  15  inches  long   .          "       "     44. 
GROUP  4.     Wing,  15  to  17  inches  long   .  "       "     45. 

Section  1.     Length,  over  21;  bill,  over  2;  under  parts,  white      See  page  45. 

Section  2.     Length,  over  21;  bill,  over  2;  under  parts,  not  white      "        45. 

Sections.     Length,  over  21;  bill,  under  2;  under  parts,  white    .      "        46. 

Section  4.     Length,  over  21;  bill,  under  2;  under  parts,  not  white.   "         46. 

Section5.     Length,  under  21    .  ......"        46. 

GROUP  5.     Wing,  over  17  inches  long       ......"        47. 


Subfamily  STERNIN^. 

Tail,  usually  forked. 


Terns. 


GROUP  1. 

GROUP  2. 

GROUP  3. 

GROUP  4. 

GROUP  5. 

Wing,  13  to  17  inches  long 
Wing,  over  1 7  inches  long 


Wmg,  5.50  to  7.50  inches  long 
Wing,  7.50  to  8.50  inches  long 
Wing,  8.50  to  9.50  inches  long 
Wing,  9.50  to  1 1  inches  long  . 
Wing,  ii  to  13  inches  long  . 


Seep.  47. 

"  48. 

"  48. 

"  48. 

"  48. 

"  49- 

"  49- 


JAN.,  IQOQ.      BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


43 


Family   LARID^.      Gulls   and   Terns. 

Subfamily   LARIN^.     Gulls. 

Upper  mandible,  curved;  unguis  (end  of  bill),  not  swollen;  nos- 
trils, near  middle  of  upper  mandible ;  middle  tail  feathers,  about  equal 
in  length  to  the  others ;  tail,  rarely  dark,  although 
sometimes  tipped  with  black  or  brown;  hind  toe, 
small,  but  always  present  except  in  one  genus;  bill, 
without  cere. 


Glaucous  Gull. 
Herring  Gull. 


Great  Black-backed  Gull. 
Bonaparte's  Gull. 


*GROUP  1.     Wing,  9.50  to  11  inches  long. 

Under  parts,  white;  inner  web  of  first  primary,  white,  with  black 
spot  near  trie  end;  the  tip,  white ;  shaft  of  feather,  white ;  adult  birds 
have  the  bill  dark  red;  in  immature  birds  it  is  brownish. 

Larus  franklinii. 
Franklin's  Gull. 


:  For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 


See  No.  19. 


44     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Under  parts,  white;  inner  web  of  first  primary,  white;  the  tip, 
black;  bill,  black;  shaft  of  feather,  white.  Larus  Philadelphia. 

Bonaparte's  Gull. 

See  No.  20. 

Under  parts,  white;  inner  web  of  first  primary,  about  half  white; 
shaft  of  feather,  dark  brown  on  upper  surface.  In  the  adult  the  bill  is 
black,  tipped  with  yellow.  Xema  sabinii. 

Sabine's  Gull. 
See  No.  21. 


*GROUP  2.     Wing,  n  to  13  inches  long. 

Shafts  of  primaries,  black  or  dark  brown;  under  parts,  not  pure 
white  (immature).  Larus  atricilla. 

Laughing  Gull. 

See  No.  18. 

Under  parts,  pure  white;  inner  web  of  first  primary,  white,  with 
black  spot  near  the  end,  the  tip,  white;  shaft  of  feathers,  white. 
Adult  birds  have  bill  dark  red;  in  immature  birds  it  is  brownish. 

Larus  franklinii. 
Franklin's  Gull. 
See  No.  19. 

Under  parts,  white;  first  primary,  entirely  black  or  dark  brown 
(adult ) .  Larus  atricilla. 

Laughing  Gull. 

See  No.  18. 

Back,  pearl  gray;  inner  web  of  primary,  white,  broadly  tipped 
with  black;  a  small  rudimentary  hind  toe,  without  nail. 

Rissa  tridactyla. 
Kittiwake  Gull. 

See  No.  12. 


*GROUP  3.      Wing,  13  to  15  inches  long. 

Under  parts,  white;   first  primary  entirely  black,  or  dark  brown. 

Larus  atricilla. 
Laughing  Gull. 
See  No.  18. 

*For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  45 

Under  parts,  white;   inner  web  of  primary,  white,  broadly  tipped 
with  black;  a  small  rudimentary  hind  toe,  without  nail. 

Rissa  tridactyla. 
Kittiwake  Gull. 

See  No.  12. 

Under  parts,  white;  terminal  portion  of  first  primary,  black,  with 
white  spot  near  tip.  Larus  delawarensis . 

Ring-billed  Gull. 

See  No.  17. 

Primaries,  pale  pearl  gray,  becoming  white  at  tip;  bill,  over  1.50; 
wing,  over  14.  Larus  leucopterus. 

Iceland  Gull. 

See  No.  14. 


*GROUP  4.      Wing,  15  to  17  inches  long. 
SECTION   1.       Length,  over  21;  bill,  over  2;  under  parts,  white. 

No  black  on  primaries  (adult).  Larus  hyperboreus. 

Glaucous  Gull. 

See  No.  13. 

Back,   slaty  black;     primaries,   black  with   more   or  less  white, 
(adult).  Larus  marinus 

Great  Black-backed  Gull. 

See  No.  15. 

Back,  pale  bluish,  gray,  or  pearl  gray;    primaries,  dull  black  or 
brownish  black,  more  or  less  marked  with  white. 

Larus  argentatus. 
American  Herring  Gull. 
See  No.  16. 

i> 
SECTION   2.      Length,  over  21;  bill,  over   2;   under  parts,  not  white. 

Outer  webs  of  primaries,  ash  color  (immature). 

Larus  hyperboreus. 
Glaucous  Gull. 

See  No.  13. 

*For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 


46     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Outer  webs  of  primaries,  dark  brown;    wing,  over  17.50;    depth 
of  bill  at  angle,  over  .90  (immature).  Larus  marinus. 

Great  Black-backed  Gull. 

See  No.  15. 

Outer  webs  of  primaries,  dark  brown;  depth  of  bill  at  angle,  under 
.90;    wing,  under  17.50    (immature).  Larus  argentatus. 

American  Herring  Gull. 
See  No.  16. 


SECTION  3.      Length,  over  21;  bill,  under  2;  under  parts,  white. 

Back,  grayish  blue,  more  or  less  black  on  primaries. 

Larus  argentatus. 
American  Herring  Gull. 

See  No.  16. 

Back,  pale  .pearl  color;    primaries,  whitish  or  pearl  color,  shading 
to  white  at  the  tips.  Larus  leucopterus. 

Iceland  Gull. 
See  No.  14. 

SECTION  4.      Length,  over  21;  bill,  under  2;   under  parts,  not  white. 

Outer  webs  of  primaries,  dark  brown;   bill,  over  1.90  (immature  ). 

Larus  argentatus. 
American  Herring  Gull. 

See  No.  16. 

Outer  webs  of  primaries,  ash  color  (immature ) . 

Larus  leucopterus  - 
Iceland  Gull. 
See  No.  14. 

SECTIONS.      Length,  under  21. 

A  band  of  black  on  the  bill    (adult ) ;     bill,  dull  yellow,   tipped 
with  black   (immature ) .  Larus  delawarensis . 

Ring-billed  Gull. 
See  No.  17. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  — CORY. 


47 


*GROUP  5.      Wing,  over  17  inches  long. 

Primaries,  marked  with  more  or  less  black.  Larus  marinus. 

Great  Black-backed  Gull. 

See  No.  15. 

No  black  on  primaries.  Larus  hyperboreus. 

Glaucous  Gull. 
See  No.  13. 


Subfamily   STERNIN^E.      Terns. 

Upper  mandible,  nearly  straight,  not  hooked  or  decidedly  rounded 
near  tip;  nostrils,  in  basal  half  of  bill;  outer  tail  feathers,  usually 
longer  than  middle  feathers;  toes,  four;  front  toes,  webbed;  hind 
toe,  small,  but  well  developed. 


Common  Tern. 


*GROUP   1.     Wing,  5.50  to  7.50  inches  long. 

Forehead,  white;  bill,  black;  under  parts, 
white;  back,  pearl  gray;  crown,  black  (adult 
in  summer ) ;  back  and  crown,  mottled  (im- 
mature). Sterna  antillarum. 

Least  Tern. 


See  No.  28. 


:  For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page 


48     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

*GROUP  2.     Wing,  7.50  to  8.50  inches  long. 

Head  and  under  parts,  black  (adult).  A  patch  of  black  behind 
the  eye;  back  of  head,  dusky;  rest  of  head,  white  (immature). 

Hydrochelidon  nigra  surinamensis . 
Black  Tern. 
See  No.  29. 

*GROUP  3.     Wing,  8.50  to  9.50  inches  long. 

Inner  web  of  outer  tail  feather,  gray;   entire  under  parts,  white. 

Sterna  forsteri. 
Forster's  Tern. 
See  No.  25. 

*GROUP  4.     Wing,  9.50  to  u  inches  long. 

Outer  web  of  outer  tail  feather,  darker  than  inner  web;  back, 
pearl  gray;  breast,  washed  with  pearl  gray;  bill  in  adults,  red,  tipped 
with  black;  tarsus,  usually  over  .70.  Sterna  hirundo. 

Common  Tern.     Wilson's  Tern. 

See  No.  26. 

Inner  web  of  outer  tail  feather,  darker  than  outer  web ;  back,  pearl 
gray;  bill  in  adults,  black,  slightly  yellowish  at  tip;  entire  under 
parts,  white.  Sterna  forsteri. 

Forster's  Tern. 

See  No.  25. 

Outer  web  of  outer  tail  feather,  darker  than  inner  web ;  back,  pearl 
gray;  breast  and  under  parts,  pearl  gray;  bill,  in  adults,  entirely  red; 
tarsus,  usually  less  than  .70.  Sterna  paradiscea. 

Arctic  Tern. 
See  No.  27. 

*  GROUP  5.      Wing,  ii  to  13  inches  long. 

Bill,  black,  not  tipped  with  yellow;  feet,  blackish;  back,  pearl 
gray;  bill,  comparatively  short  and  stout.  Gelochelidon  nilotica. 

Gull-billed  Tern. 

See  No.  22. 

*  For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  49 

Bill,  red,  tipped  with  black;  feet,  orange  red;  back,  pearl  gray  or 
gray  and  buff.  Sterna  hirundo. 

Common  Tern.     Wilson's  Tern. 
See  No.  26. 


*  GROUP  6.      Wing,  13  to  17  inches  long. 

Bill,  orange  or  yellowish;    tarsus,  less  than  1.50;    inner  web  of 
outer  primary,  usually  with  more  or  less  white.  Sterna  maxima. 

Royal  Tern. 
See  No.  24. 

Bill,  red  or  reddish;  tarsus,  over  1.50;  inner  web  of  outer  primary, 
usually  without  white.  Sterna  caspia. 

Caspian  Tern. 
See  No.  23. 


*  GROUP  7.     Wing,  over  17  inches  long. 

Bill,  red  or  reddish.  Sterna  caspia. 

Caspian  Tern. 
See  No.  23. 

*For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 


ORDER  STEGANOPODES. 

TOTIPALMATE  SWIMMERS.     ANHINGAS,  CORMORANTS, 
PELICANS,   ETC." 

Family  ANHINGID^.     Darters,  Snake  Birds. 

Bill,  sharp-pointed  and  slender;  chin,  bare;  neck,  long  and  slender ; 
toes,  four,  all  connected  by  webs;  middle  tail  feathers,  corrugated  or 
fluted. 


*  GROUP   I.      Wing,  1 2. 50  to  15.50  inches  long. 


Neck,  long,  snake-like;    head  and  neck,  black  in  male,    brown    in 
female;  outer  webs  of  two  middle  tail  feathers,  "fluted." 

Anhinga  anhinga. 
Anhinga.     Water  Turkey. 


'For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 
50 


See  No.  31. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  — CORY.  51 

Family     PHALACROCORACID^. 
Cormorants. 

Bill,  hooked  at  tip,  and  less  than  twelve  inches 
long;  bare  skin  at  base  of  bill  and  chin;  lores,  bare ; 
toes,  four,  all  connected  by  webs ;  tail  feathers,  stiff. 


Double-crested  Cormorant. 


Mexican  Cormorant. 


*  GROUP  1.      Wing,  n  to  [5  inches  long. 

Plumage,  variable  at  different  seasons;   but  wing,  always  over  n 

inches  long.  Phalacrocorax  auritns,  and  races. 

Double-crested  Cormorant  and  Florida  Cormorant. 

See  Nos.  32  and  32a. 

*  GROUP  2.      Wing,  less  than  10.50  inches  long. 

Adult:     With  white  line  bordering  the  bare  skin  on  throat ;  imma- 
ture: showing  throat  pale,  but  white  line  not  clearly  denned. 

Phalacrocorax  vigua  mexicanus. 
Mexican  Cormorant. 

See  No.  33. 

*  For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 


52     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Family    PELECANID^.      Pelicans. 

Bill,  hooked  at  tip,  over  twelve  inches  long  and  having  a  large  pouch 
attached  to  the  under  mandible ;  lores,  bare ;  toes,  four,  all  connected 
by  webs. 


American  White  Pelican. 


*  GROUP  1.      Wing,  over  17  inches  long. 

General     plumage,     white.  Pelecanus  erythrorhynchos . 

American  White  Pelican. 

See  No.  34. 

General  plumage,  not  white    (coloration  very  variable  according 
to  age  and  season,  but  never  white).  Pelecanus  occidentalis. 

Brown  Pelican. 
See  No.  35. 


Family    FREGATID7E.       Man-of-war    Birds. 
Frigate    Birds. 

Bill,    hooked  at  tip ;     lores,    feathered ;     upper   plumage,    entirely 
black ;  toes,  four,  all  connected  by  webs ;%  tail,  forked ;  wings,  very  long. 

*  For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


S3 


*  GROUP  1.     Wing,  over  21  inches  long. 

Size,  large;  length,  3  feet  or  more;  wing,  over  20  inches;  entire 
plumage,  black  or  brownish  black  (adult,  male);  general  plumage, 
black;  belly,  white  (female);  head  and  neck,  whitish;  belly,  white; 
rest  of  plumage,  black  (immature).  Fregata  aquila. 

Man-of-war  Bird. 
See   No.   36. 


Man-of-war  Bird. 


'For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page 


INDEX  TO   KEY. 

Family     ANATID^.        Ducks,    Geese,    and 

Swans. 
Subfamily    MERGING.      Mergansers. 

Fish-eating  Ducks  having  narrow  bills  with  tooth-like  serrations  on  edges; 
tarsus,  scutellate  (transverse  scales)  in  front. 

GROUP  1.     Wing,  6.50  to  8.50  inches  long         ....      See  page  56. 
GROUP  2.     Wing,  8.50  to  12  inches  long  .          .          .          .  "      "      57. 

Subfamily  ANATIN^E.      River  and   Pond   Ducks. 

Ducks  having  hind  toe  without  well  developed  membraneous  lobe   or  flap ; 
tarsus,  scutellate  (transverse  scales)  in  front. 

GROUP  1.     Wing,  5  to  7.50  inches  long     .....  See  page  58. 

GROUP  2.  Wing,  8  to  10  inches  long  .  .  .  .  "  "  59. 

Section  1.  Belly,  white "  "  59- 

Section  2.  Belly,  not  white "  "  59- 

GROUP  3.     Wing,  10  to  14  inches  long       .          .          .          .          .        "       "  60. 

Section  1.     Belly,  white,  or  tinged  with  dusky  or  gray  on 

lower  part        ....              ....""  60. 

Section  2.     Belly,  not  white "       "  61. 

Subfamily  FULIGULIN^E.      Bay  and  Sea  Ducks. 

Ducks  having  a  flap  or  membraneous  lobe  on  hind  toe;    tarsus,  scutellate 
(transverse  scales)  in  front. 

GROUP  1.     Wing,  5  to  6.50  inches  long     .....  See  page  62. 

Section  1.     Tail  feathers,  not  stiff  and  pointed    .          .          .  "      "      62. 

Section  2.     Tail  feathers,  stiff  and  pointed           .          .          .  "       "      62. 

GROUP  2.     Wing,  6.50  to  7.50  inches  long         .          .          .          .  "       "      63. 

Section  1.     Belly,  white "      "      63. 

Section  2.     Belly,  not  white "       "      64. 

GROUPS.     Wing,  7.50  to  8.50  inches  long         .          .          .          .  "      "      64. 

Section  1.     Head,  with  more  or  less  white  or  brownish  white;  belly,  white, 

sometimes  tinged  with  dusky  or  gray  on  lower  part           .  See  page  64. 

Section  2.     No  white  or  grayish  white  on  head;    belly,  white,  sometimes 

tinged  with  grayish  white  on  head           ....  See  page  65. 

Section  3.     Belly,  not  white "      "      65. 

54 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  55 

GROUP  4.     Wing,  8.  50  to  10  inches  long.     See  page  66. 

Section  1.     Hind  toe,  with  flap  or  lobe;    belly,  white,  sometimes  tinged 

on  lower  part  with  dusky  or  gray;   head,  marked  with,  more  or  less  white, 

or  brownish  white.     See  page  66. 
Section  2.     Belly,  white,  sometimes  tinged  on  lower  part  with  gray  or 

dusky;  no  white  or  grayish  white  on  head.     See  page  66. 
Section  3.     Belly,  not  white;    head,  marked  with  more  or  less  white,  or 

grayish  white.     See  page  67. 

Section  4.     Belly,  not  white ;  no  white  on  head.     See  page  68. 
GROUP  5.     Wing,  10  to  14  inches  long.     See  page  68. 

Section  1.     Head,  with  more  or  less  white,  or  grayish  white ;    belly,  black. 

See  page  68. 

Section  2.     No  white  on  head;  belly,  black.     See  page  69. 
Section  3.     Head,  with  more  or  less  white,  or  grayish  white ;  belly,  mottled 

brown,  or  grayish  brown,  or  slaty.     See  page  69. 
Section  4.     No  white  on  head;    belly,  mottled  brown,  or  grayish  brown. 

See  page  70. 

Subfamily  ANSERINE.      Geese. 

Lores,  feathered;  tarsus,  reticulate  (scales  rounded). 
GROUP  1.     Wing,  12  to  14  inches  long.     See  page  71. 
GROUP  2.     Wing,  14  to  20  inches  long.     See  page  71. 

Section  1.     Head  and  neck,  black  or  blackish,  marked  with  more  or  less 

white;  bill  and  feet,  black.     See  page  71. 

Section  2.  Head,  white,  sometimes  tinged  with  brownish  orange;  bill 
and  feet,  pink  or  flesh  color  in  life,  yellowish  or  pale  brownish  in  dried 
skin.  See  page  72. 

Section  3.  Head,  brownish  or  grayish,  sometimes  marked  with  white; 
bill,  pinkish;  feet,  yellow  or  pink.  See  page  72. 

Subfamily   CYGNINME.      Swans. 

Bare  skin  between  the  bill  and  eye;   tarsus,  reticulate  (scales  rounded); 
neck,  very  long;   wing,  over  19  inches  long.     See  page  73. 


ORDER  ANSERES. 

LAMELLIROSTRAL  SWIMMERS. 

Family     ANATID^E.        Ducks,    Geese,    and 

Swans. 

Subfamily   MERGING.       Mergansers. 

Fish-eating  Ducks  having  narrow  bills  with  tooth-like  serrations  on 
edges,  and  the  tarsus,  scutellate  in  front. 


*  GROUP    1.     Wing,    from    6.50    to    8.50    inches    long;  bill, 
narrow,  with  tooth-like  serrations. 


Lophodytes  cucullatus  (male).  Lophodytes  cucullatus. 

Head,  brownish  or  grayish ;  breast  and  belly,  white ;  sides,  rufous 
brown,  narrowly  barred  with  black;  tarsus,  less  than  i  .50;  crest,  small 
(female  and  immature).  Lophodytes  cucullatus. 

Hooded  Merganser. 

See  No.  39. 

Head,  with  black  and  white  crest ;  lower  breast  and  belly,  white ; 
sides,  grayish  brown;  tarsus,  less  than  1.50  (male). 

Lophodytes  cucullatus. 
Hooded  Merganser. 
See  No.  39. 

*  For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 
56 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


57 


*  GROUP  2.      Wing,  from  8.5010  12  inches  long;  bill,  narrow, 
with  tooth-like  serrations. 


Male. 


American  Mergancer. 


Female. 


Distance  from  nostril  to  tip  of  bill,  less 
than  1.50;  head  and  neck,  greenish  black; 
under  parts,  creamy  white,  tinged  with  sal- 
mon color;  feet,  red  (male). 

Mergus  americanus. 
American  Merganser.     Sheldrake. 
See  No.  37. 


Distance  from  nostril  to  tip  of  bill,  less 
than  1.50 ;  head,  rufous  brown ;  upper  throat, 
white;  feet,  orange  red  (female). 

Mergus  americanus. 
American  Merganser.     Sheldrake. 

See  No.  37. 

Distance  from  nostril  to  tip  of  bill,  more 

than  1.50;  head,  black,  tinged  with  green;  / 

breast,  rufous,  streaked  with  black  (male). 
Mergus  serrator. 
Red-breasted  Merganser. 

See  No.  38.  MerRUS  serrator' 

*  For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 


Top  of  bill. 
Mergus  americanus. 


58     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Distance  from  nostril  to  tip  of  bill,  more  than  1.50 ;  head,  brownish, 

palest  on  the  throat;   speculum,  white  (female).         Mergus  serrator. 

Red-breasted  Merganser. 

See  No.  38. 


Subfamily  ANATIN^E.      River  and  Pond  Ducks. 


Ducks  having  hind  toe  without  mem- 
braneous lobe  or  flap;  tarsus,  scutellate  in 
front. 


Querquedula  discors. 


*  GROUP  1.     Wing,  5  to  7.50  inches  long;  hind  toe,  without 
flap  or  lobe. 

Large   patch  pale  blue 
on  wing    (coverts ) ;  white 
crescent  on  face  (male ) ;  no 
white  crescent,  face  speck- 
:L  led ;  chin  whitish  (female ) . 

Common  in  Eastern  United  States. 

Querquedula  discors. 
Blue-winged  Teal. 
See  No.  46. 

Large  patch  of  pale  blue  on  wing  (coverts);  head  and  breast, 
rufous  brown;  crown,  blackish  (male);  sides  of  head,  speckled  (dull 
white,  dotted  with  black ) ;  chin  and  throat,  dusky,  tinted  with  rufous 
(female ) .  Western  species,  rare  east  of  the  Mississippi  River. 

Querquedula  cyanoptera. 
Cinnamon  Teal. 
See  No.  47. 

No  blue  patch  on  wing;  head,  rufous  brown,  with  large  patch  of 
green  through  eye  to  nape ;  speculum,  black  and  green  (male);  head, 
speckled.  No  blue  patch  on  wing  (female).  Nettion  carolinensis. 

Green- winged  Teal. 


*  For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 


See  No.  45. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  59 

*  GROUP  2.      Wing,  from  8  to  10  inches  long. 
SECTION   1.      Belly,  white;  no  flap  or  lobe  on  hind  toe. 


Aix  sponsa. 

Head,   green,   purple,   black,    and   white;  chin  and  upper  throat, 
white;    feet,  yellow  in  life    (male).  Aix  sponsa. 

Wood  Duck.     Summer  Duck. 

See  No.  50. 

Head,  grayish  brown,  with  white  stripe  through  the  eye ;  chin  and 
upper  throat,  white;    toes,  dull  yellow  in  life  (female).      Aix  sponsa. 

Wood  Duck.     Summer  Duck. 

See  No.  50. 

Head,  brown;  chin,  not  white;  a  white  stripe  on  sides  of  the  neck; 
tail,  pointed   (male).  Dafila  acuta. 

Pintail  Duck. 

See  No.  49. 

SECTION   2.      Belly,  not  white;  hind  toe,  without  membraneous  lobe 

or  flap. 

^^^^  Bill,  more  than  one  inch  wide  near 

^^^H  JL.  A  tip !   head,  green  or  greenish ;  speculum, 

•^jSSsflH     L.i  metallic   green;     axillars,    white;    feet, 

orange  red  in  life    (male). 

j^^^f  Spatula  clypeata. 

Shoveller  Duck.     Broad-bill. 
See  No.  48. 

Bill,  more  than  one  inch  wide  near 
tip ;  head,  narrowly  streaked  and  speckled 
with  brown  and  dull  white;  speculum, 
metallic  green ;  feet,  orange  red  in  life ;  ax- 

Spatu la  clypeata.  illars,  white  (female ).     Spatula  clypeata. 

Shoveller  Duck.     Broad-bill. 
See  No.  48. 

*  For  directions  for  measxtrement.  see  page  21. 


t 


6o     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Bill,  less  than  one  inch  wide  near  tip;  head,  lined  and  speckled 
with  brown  and  brownish  white ;  speculum,  not  metallic  green;  axillars, 
white,  barred  with  brown;  rump  and  tail  coverts,  brown,  narrowly 
edged  and  banded  with  white;  feet, 
dusky  (female).  Dafila  acuta. 

Pintail  Duck. 

Axillar.      Dafila  acuta.  See   No.    49. 

Belly,  white,  with  more  or  less  brown  spots;  axillars,  white;  bill, 
less  than  .90  wide  at  widest  part  (female). 

Chaulelasmus  streperus. 
Gadwall. 

See  No.  42. 

Belly,  more  or  less  spotted;  throat,  white;  rump,  olive  brown; 
secondaries,  metallic  green,  tipped  with  white;  axillars  and  under 
wing  coverts,  heavily  barred;  toes,  yellowish  in  life  (female). 

Aix  sponsa. 

Wood  Duck.     Summer  Duck. 
See    No.  50. 


*  GROUP  3.      Wing,  from  TO  to  14  inches  long. 

SECTION   1.      Hind   toe,  without    membraneous  lobe  or  flap;    belly, 
white,  sometimes  faintly  tinged  with  dusky  or  gray  on  lower  part. 


Axillars,  white;  the  shafts,  white;  ex- 
posed speculum,  black  and  white;  head, 
tawny  brown;  cheeks  and  throat,  tawny, 
speckled  with  brown  (male). 

Chaulelasmus  streperus. 
Gadwall.     Creek  Duck. 
See  No.  42. 


Axillars,  white;  the  shafts,  white;  head, 
speckled;  exposed  speculum,  black  and  white 
(female ) . 

Chaulelasmus  streperus. 
Gadwall.     Creek  Duck. 
See  No.  42. 

:  For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  61 

Axillars,  white,  with  shafts  dark  near  the  tips;  speculum,  green 
and  black;  white  patch  on  shoulder;  top  of  head,  white,  more  or  less 
green  behind  the  eye  (male). 

Mareca  americana. 
American  Widgeon.     Baldpate. 
See  No.  44. 

Axillars,  white,  with  shafts  dark  near  the  tips;  no  white  shoulder 
patch;  head,  speckled  (female). 

Mareca  americana. 
American  Widgeon.     Baldpate. 

See  No.  44. 

Axillars,  thickly  speckled  and  faintly  barred  with  gray;  head, 
speckled  (female ) ;  head  and  upper  neck,  brown ;  top  of  head,  white 
or  whitish. 

Mareca  penelope. 
European  Widgeon. 
See  No.  43. 

Axillars,  grayish  white ;  head,  brown,  not  speckled ;  stripe  of  white 
on  sides  of  neck;  tail,  pointed;  middle  feathers,  long  (male). 

Dafila  acuta. 
Pintail  Duck. 
See  No.  49. 

SECTION     2.       Hind  toe,  without  membraneous  lobe  or  flap;  belly, 
not  white. 

Speculum,  bluish  purple,  edged  with  white ; 
head,  green;  a  white  ring  around  neck; 
breast,  chestnut;  belly,  grayish  white;  feet, 
orange  red;  axillars,  white  (male). 

Anas  platyrhynchos . 
Mallard  Duck. 

See   No.   40.  Anas  platyrhynchos. 

Belly,  white,  showing  more  or  less  brown  spots;  axillars,  white; 
bill,  less  than  .90  wide  at  widest  part;  speculum,  black  and  white 
(female).  Chaulelasmus  streperus. 

Gadwall. 
See  No.  42. 


62     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Speculum,  bluish  purple,  edged 

with    white    and    black;     greater 

wing  coverts,  with  broad  band  of 

white;       head,       tawny       brown, 

streaked  with  dark  brown;    belly, 

pale    buff,    mottled    with    brown; 

feet,    orange   red;    axillars,   white 

(female  )  .  *         Anas  platyrhynchos  . 

Mallard  Duck. 

See  No.  40. 


Femal 


Mallard  Duck. 


Male. 


Speculum,  purplish  blue;  no  white  band  on  greater  wing  coverts; 
head  and  throat,  streaked  ;  throat,  not  buff  ;  no  black  spot  at  base  of 
bill;  feet,  olive  (sometimes  red);  axillars,  white;  Eastern  North 
America.  Anas  rubripes. 

Black  Duck.     Dusky  Duck. 
See  No.  41. 


Subfamily  FULIGULIN^E.      Bay  and  Sea  Ducks. 


Ducks  having  flap  or  membraneous  lobe 
on  hind  toe;  tarsus,  scutellate  (transverse 
scales)  in  front. 


*  GROUP    1.      Wing,  from  5  to  6.50  inches  long. 
SECTION    1.      Tail  feathers,  not  stiff  and  pointed. 

Head,  greenish  purple,  with  white  patch  (male);  head,  grayish 
brown,  with  white  patch  (female  or  immature ) ;  no  dark  stripes  on 
cheek;  bill,  less  than  three-fourths  inch  wide.  Charitonetta  albeola. 

Buffle-head  Duck.     Dipper  Duck. 
See  No.  58. 

SECTION  2.     Tail  feathers,  stiff  and  pointed. 

No  greenish  or  purple  on  head;  throat,  whitish;  cheeks,  white 
or  whitish;  bill,  broad,  three-quarters  inch  or  more  wide. 

Erismatura  jamaicensis. 
Ruddy  Duck. 
See  No.  66. 

*  For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  63 

Front  of  head,  including  cheeks,  black  (adult ) ;  head  with  black 
stripes  on  side  (female  or  immature).  Tropical  species,  accidental 
in  the  United  States.  Nomonyx  dominicus. 

Masked  Duck. 
See  No.  67. 


*  GROUP  2.      Wing,  from  6.50  to  7.50  inches  long. 
SECTION  1.     Belly, 


Head,  greenish  purple,  no  white  on  head;  back,  barred  black  and 
white;  speculum,  white  (male).  Marila  affinis. 

Lesser  Scaup  Duck.     Blue-bill. 
See  No.  54. 

Head,  brownish,  a  patch  of  dull  white  at  base  of  bill;  no  white 
on  ear  coverts;  speculum,  white  (female). 

Marila  affinis. 

Lesser  Scaup  Duck.     Blue-bill. 
See  No.  54. 

Head,  greenish  purple,  no  white  on  head;  back,  dull  black; 
speculum,  gray  (male ) .  Marila  collar  is. 

Ring-necked  Duck. 

See  No.  55. 

Head,  dull  brown,  brownish  white  at  base  of  bill  and  below  eye; 
speculum,  gray  (female ) .  Marila  collaris. 

Ring-necked  Duck. 

See  No.  55. 

Head,  greenish  purple,  a  large  patch  of  white  on  back  of  head 
(male ) .  Charitonetta  albeola. 

Buffle-headed  Duck. 
See  No.  58. 

Head,  dark  brown  or  dusky,  a  patch  of  white  behind  the  eye  (on 
ear  coverts);  no  white  or  brownish  white  at  base  of  bill;  speculum, 
white  (female).  Charitonetta  albeola. 

Buffle-headed  Duck. 

See  No.  58. 

*For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 


64     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  TX. 

SECTION    2.      Belly,  not  white. 

Plumage,  variously  marked  with  white,  slate-color,  and  chestnut 
( mal  e ) .  Histrionicus  hist  rionicus . 

Harlequin  Duck. 

See  No.  60. 

General  plumage,  dull  brown,  mottled  on  the  under  parts  (female ) . 

Histrionicus  histrionicus . 
Harlequin  Duck. 

See  No.  60. 


*  GROUP  3.      Wing,  from  7.50  to  8.50  inches  long. 

SECTION     1.      Head,  marked   with   more  or  less  white  or  brownish 

white;  belly,  white,  sometimes  tinged  with  dusky  or 

gray  on   lower  part. 

Head,  brownish;  a  patch  of  dull  white  on 
face  at  base  of  bill ;  speculum,  white  (female ) . 

Marila  marila. 
Scaup  Duck.     Bluebill. 

See  No.  53. 

Speculum,  white,  similar  to  preceding  but  somewhat  smaller  (fe- 
male). More  common  in  the  South  than  the  Greater  Scaup  Duck. 

Marila  affinis. 
Lesser  Scaup  Duck. 

See  No.  54. 

Speculum,  gray;  head  and  neck,  brownish;  chin  and  anterior 
portion  of  lores,  brownish  white  or  whitish  (female);  resembles  fe- 
male Red-head,  but  is  smaller.  Marila  collaris. 

Ring-necked  Duck. 
See  No.  55. 

A  patch  of  white  or  grayish  white  on  the  head,  including  the  eye ; 
no  speculum;  under  tail  coverts,  white;  adult  males  have  the  tail 
feathers  long  and  pointed.  Harelda  hyemalis. 

Old-squaw.     Long-tailed  Duck. 
See  No.  59. 

*For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 


JAN..  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  65 

SECTION    2.        Belly,  white,    sometimes  tinged  on  lower   part  with 
dusky  or  gray;  no  white  or  grayish  white  on  head. 

Head,  brown;  a  distinct  wing  band  of  white  (female). 

Clangula  clangula  americana. 
American  Golden-eye. 

See  No.  56. 

Head,  black,  glossed  with  green;  speculum,  white;  back,  grayish 
white,  finely  lined  with  black  (male). 

Marila  marila. 
Scaup  Duck.     Bluebill  or  Blackhead. 

See  No.  53.    ' 

Head,  black,  glossed  with  purple,  finely  lined  with  black;  specu- 
lum, white;  back,  grayish  white;  smaller  than  the  preceding  species, 
but  resembles  it  closely  (male). 

Marila  affinis. 

Lesser  Scaup  Duck.     Bluebill  or  Blackhead. 
See  No.  54. 

Head,  black,  with  violet  or  bluish  gloss,  a  spot  of  white  on  the 
chin ;  speculum,  gray ;  back,  dull  black  (male ) . 

Marila  collar  is. 
Ring-necked  Duck. 

See  No.  55. 


SECTION  3.     Belly,  not  white. 

Plumage,  variously  marked  with  white,  slate-color,  and  chestnut; 
speculum,  bluish;    top  of  head  and  wing  coverts,  not  white   (male). 

Histrionicus  histrionicus. 
Harlequin  Duck. 
See  No.  66. 

Top  of  head  and  wing  coverts,  not  white;    plumage,  dull  brown, 
mottled  on  the  under  parts  (female). 

Histrionicus  histrionicus. 
Harlequin  Duck. 
See  No.  60. 


66     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

*  GROUP  4.      Wing,  8.50  to  10  inches  long. 

SECTION   1.      Hind  toes,  with  well  defined  membraneous  lobe  or  flap; 

belly,  white,  sometimes  tinged  on  lower  part  with  dusky  or  gray; 

head,  marked   with  more  or  less  white,  or  brownish  white 

Head,  brownish ;  a  patch  of  dull  white  on 
face  at  base  of  bill;    speculum,  white    (fe- 
male). Marila  marila. 
Scaup  Duck.     Bluebill.     Blackhead. 

See  No.  53. 

Marila  marila. 

Head  and  neck,  dark  glossy  green;  a  nearly  round  patch  of  white 
on  cheek  at  base  of  bill;  back,  black;  speculum,  white  (male). 

C languid  clangula  americana. 
American  Golden-eye.     Whistler. 
See  No.  56. 

Head,  bluish  black,  or  purplish  blue;  an  irregular  white  patch  on 
cheek  at  base  of  bill  (male ) .  Clangula  islandica. 

Barrow's  Golden-eye. 

See  No.  57. 

Top  of  head,  brown;  sides  of  head,  brownish  white;  speculum, 
gray;  bill,  more  than  one  and  a  quarter  inches  long  (female). 

Marila  americana, 
Redhead  Duck. 

See  No.  51. 

Bill,  not  over  1.25  long;  a  patch  of  white,  or  grayish  white,  on  the 
head,  including  the  eye;  no  speculum;  under  tail  covert,  white; 
adult  males  have  the  tail  feathers  long  and  pointed.  Harelda  hyemalis. 

Old-squaw.     Long-tailed  Duck. 

See  No.  59. 

SECTION    2.      Hind  toe,  with  well  defined  membraneous  lobe  or  flap; 

belly,  white,  sometimes  tinged    on  lower  part   with  dusky   or 

gray;   no   white,  or  grayish  white,  on  head. 

Head,  black,  glossed  with  green;  back,  grayish  white,  finely  lined 
with  black;  speculum,  white  (male).  Marila  marila. 

Scaup  Duck.     Bluebill.     Blackhead. 

See  No.  53. 

*  For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  2 1 . 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


67 


Head,  cinnamon  brown;  upper  breast  and  back,  ashy  gray,  not 
barred;  speculum,  white  (female);  very  similar  to  female  Barrow's 
Golden-eye,  but  slightly  smaller.  Much  more  common  than  the  next 
species.  Clangula  clangula  americana. 

American  Golden-eye.     Whistler. 
See  No.  56. 

Head,  cinnamon  brown;  upper  breast  and  back,  ashy  gray,  not 
barred;  speculum,  white  (female);  very'similar  to  preceding  species, 
but  slightly  larger.  Clangula  islandica. 

Barrow's  Golden-eye. 
See  No.  57. 

Head,  rufous  brown;  crown,  blackish; 
breast,  black;  lower  back,  ashy  white,  finely 
lined  with  black  (male ) ;  bill,  very  different 
from  that  of  Red-head.  (See  cut. ) 

Marila  vallisneria. 

Canvas-back  Duck. 

See  No.  52. 

Head,  neck,  and  upper  breast,  dull  cinnamon  brown,  palest  on 
throat;  lower  back,  dull  brown,  barred  with  fine,  wavy,  white  lines 
(female ) ;  easily  distinguished  by  shape  of  bill.  (See  cut.) 

Marila  vallisneria. 
Canvas-back  Duck. 
See  No.  52. 

Head,  reddish  brown;  crown,  not  blackish; 
breast,  black;  lower  back,  grayish,  finely  lined 
with  black  (male ) ;  bill,  very  different  from 
that  of  Canvas-back.  (See  cut. ) 

Marila  americana. 

Red-headed  Duck. 

Marila  americana.  $66  No.    51. 


Marila  vallisneria. 


SECTION    3.      Hind  toe,  with  well  denned  membraneous  lobe  or  flap; 
belly,  not  white;  more  or  less  white,  or  grayish   white,  on  head. 

General  plumage,  black ;  a  patch  of  white 

on  front  of  crown  and  nape;  bill,  large,  marked 

with  orange,  red,  black,  and  white;    no  white 

on  wings  (male ) .  Oidemia  perspicillata. 

Surf  Scoter.     Skunk-head  Coot. 

See  No.  65. 


68     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

General  plumage,  brown;  top  of  head  and  wings,  dark;   a  spot  of 
dull  white  at  base  of  bill  and  behind  eye;  no  white  on  wings  (female ) . 

Oidemia  perspicillata. 
Surf  Scoter.     Skunk-head  Coot. 
See  No.  65. 

SECTION   4.       Hind  toe,  with  well  denned  membraneous  lobe  or  flap; 
belly,  not  white;  no  white  on  head. 

Axillars,  brown;    secondaries,  white,  forming  a  white  wing  patch; 

upper  parts  dark  brown;    under  parts,  sometimes  brown,  sometimes 

grayish    (female).  Oidemia  deglandi. 

White-winged  Scoter.     White-winged  Coot. 

See  No.  64. 


*  GROUP  5.      Wing,  10  to  14  inches  long. 

SECTION   1.      Hind  toe,  with  well  defined  membraneous  lobe  or  flap; 
head,  with  more  or  less  white,  or  grayish  white;  belly,  black. 

General  plumage,  black ;  speculum,  white ;    spot  under  eye,  white ; 

axillars,  black;   bill,  orange  at  base   (male).  Oidemia  deglandi. 

White-winged  Scoter.     White-winged  Coot. 

See  No.  64. 

General  plumage,  black;  head,  black,  with  patch  of  white  on 
crown  and  nape;  no  white  on  wing;  axillars,  black;  bill,  orange, 
black,  and  white  (male).  Oidemia  perspicillata. 

Surf  Scoter.     Skunk-head  Coot. 

See  No.  65. 


American  Eider  Duck.  Northern  Eider  Duck. 

Somatena  dresseri.  Somateria  mollissima  borealis. 

*  For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  2 1 . 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  69 

Top  of  head,  black,  divided  on  crown ;  more  or  less  green  on  head ; 

throat,  white;  axillars,  white;  bill  (culmen),  divided  and  rounded  at 
base  (male).      (See  cut  of  bill. )  Somateria  dresseri. 

American  Eider  Duck. 

See  No.  61. 

Top  of  head,  black,  divided  on  crown ;  more  or  less  green  on  head ; 
throat,  white;  axillars,  white;  culmen,  divided  and  pointed  at  base 
(male).  (See  cut  of  bill.)  Arctic  species;  not  recorded  from  Lake 
Michigan  region.  Somateria  mollissima  borealis. 

Northern  Eider  Duck. 

Top  of  head,  slate  color;  cheeks,  greenish;  throat,  white,  with 
large,  black,  V-shaped  mark  (male).  Somateria  spectabilis. 

King  Eider  Duck. 
See  No.  62. 


SECTION    2.      Hind  toe,  with  well  defined  membraneous  lobe  or  flap; 
no  white  on  head;  belly,  black. 

General  plumage,  black ;  axillars,  black;  no 
white  on  wing;  bill,  orange  at  base;  feathers 
on  bill,  more  than  one-half  inch  from  nostril 
( male) .  Oidemia  americana. 

American  Scoter.  Black  Coot.  Butter-bill 
Coot.  See  No.  63. 


SECTION    3-      Hind  toe,  with  well  defined  membraneous  lobe  or  flap; 
head,  marked  with  more  or  less  white,  or  grayish   white;   belly, 
mottled  brown,  or  grayish  brown,  or  slaty. 

General  plumage,  brownish;   no  white  on  wing;    feathers  on  bill, 
more  than  one-half  inch  from  nostril  (female  and  immature ) . 

Oidemia  americana. 
American  Scoter.     Butter-bijl  Coot. 

See  No.  63. 

General  plumage,  grayish  brown;    speculum,  white;    feathers  on 
bill,  less  than  one-half  inch  from  nostril  (female  and  immature ) . 

Oidemia  deglandi. 
White-winged  Scoter.     White-winged  Coot. 

See  No.  64. 


yo     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

General  plumage,  grayish  brown;  feathers  extending  on  upper 
part  of  bill  more  than  on  the  sides;  no  white  on  wing;  feathers  on 
bill,  less  than  one-half  inch  from  nostril  (female ) . 

Oidemia  perspicillata. 
Surf  Scoter.     Skunk-head  Coot. 
See  No.  65. 

SECTION  4.      Hind  toe,  with  well  defined  membraneous  lobe  or  flap; 
no  white  on  head;  belly,  mottled  brown,  or  grayish  brown. 

General  plumage,  brownish;  no  white  on  wings;  axillars,  black; 
feathers  on  the  bill,  more  than  one-half  inch  from  nostril  (female ) . 

Oidemia  americana. 
American  Scoter.     Butter-bill  Coot.     Gray  Coot. 

See  No.  63. 

Head,  dark  brown  or  black;  feathers  on  bill,  less  than  one-half 
inch  from  nostril;  axillars,  black;  no  white  on  wings  (immature 
male ) .  Oidemia  perspicillata. 

Surf  Scoter.     Skunk-head  Coot. 

See  No.  65. 

A  patch  of  white  on  the  wings;  back  and  upper  parts,  dark  brown; 
feathers  on  the  base  of  bill,  extending  to  within  one-half  inch  of  nos- 
tril (female ) .  Oidemia  deglandi. 

White-winged  Scoter. 
See  No.  64. 

Head,  tawny,  streaked  with  brown;  axillars,  white,  or  grayish 
white;  throat,  streaked;  feathers  on  bill,  within  one-fourth  inch  from 
nostril;  decided  difference  in  bill  from  next  species  (female).  (See 
cut. )  '  Eastern  North  America.  Somateria  dresseri. 

American  Eider  Duck. 
See  No.  61. 

Head,  tawny,  streaked  with  brown;  axillars,  white,  or  grayish 
white;  throat,  streaked;  feathers  on  bill,  within  one-fourth  inch 
from  nostril;  decided  difference  in  bill  from  preceding  species  (fe- 
male ) .  (See  cut. )  Eastern  North  America.  This  is  given  for 
comparison;  the  species  has  not  yet  been  recorded  from  the  Lake 
Michigan  region.  Somateria  mollissima  borealis. 

Northern  Eider  Duck. 


JAN.,   1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  — CORY.  71 

Head,  tawny,  streaked  with  brown;  axillars,  white,  or  grayish 
white;  throat,  not  streaked;  feathers  on  bill,  more  than  one-fourth 
inch  from  nostril  (female ) .  Somateria  spectabilis. 

King  Eider  Duck. 

See  No.  62. 


Subfamily  ANSERINE.      Geese. 

Special  Characters:  Size,  large;  lores,  feathered;  tarsus,  reticu- 
late (scales  rounded);  hind  toe,  without  flap. 

*GROUP  1.     Wing,  12  to  14  inches  long. 

Bill  and  feet  black;  head  and  neck,  black;  sides  of  neck  (not 
front,  mottled  with  white;  no  speculum;  lower  breast,  grayish;  no 
white  on  head.  Branta  bernicla  glaucogastra. 

Brant. 

See  No.  72. 

A  patch  of  white  on  side  of  head,  extending  to  throat;  rest  of  head 
and  neck,  black.  Branta  canadensis  minima. 

Cackling  Goose. 

See  No.  7ib. 

*  GROUP  2.     Wing,  from  14  to  22  inches  long. 

SECTION    1.      Head  and  neck,  black  or  blackish,  marked   with  more 
or  less  white;  bill  and  feet,  black. 


Head  and  neck,  black ;   a  patch  of  white  on  each 

cheek,  extending  to  upper  throat;  no  white  on  neck. 

Branta  canadensis,  and  races. 

Canada  Goose. 

See  Nos.  71,  7ia,  yib. 


Head  and  neck,  black;    side    (not  front]  of  neck,  speckled  with 
white;    upper  belly,  whitish.     Common  on  Atlantic  coast. 

Branta  bernicla  glaucogastra. 
Brant. 

See  No.  72. 

*For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 


72     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

SECTION  2.      Bill  and  feet,  pink  or  flesh  color  in  life;    head,  white, 
sometimes  tinged  with  brownish  orange. 

Entire  plumage,  white;  primaries,  black;  smaller  than  C.  h. 
nivalis;  bill,  over  1.90;  tarsus,  over  2.80;  middle  toe,  over  2.10 
(adult ) .  Chiefly  Pacific  coast  to  Mississippi  Valley,  rare  on  Atlantic 
coast.  Chen  hyperborea. 

Lesser  Snow  Goose. 
See  No.  68. 

Entire  plumage,  white;  primaries,  black;  resembles  preceding 
species  but  is  larger  (adult).  Eastern  North  America,  south  in 
winter  on  Atlantic  coast  to  Florida  and  Cuba. 

Chen  hyperborea  nivalis. 
Greater  Snow  Goose. 
See  No.  68a. 

Back,  slaty  brown;  belly  and  rump,  gray;  the  feathers,  not  barred; 
terminal  half  of  tail,  not  white  (adult).  Chen  ccerulescens . 

Blue  Goose. 
See  No.  69. 


SKCXION   3.      Bill,  pinkish;   feet,  yellow  or  pink;  head,  brownish  or 
grayish,  sometimes  marked  with  white. 

Forehead  and  feathers  at  base  of  bill,  white ;  nail  of  bill  (unguis ) , 
whitish;  bill,  yellowish  in  dried  skin;  breast,  grayish,  more  or  less 
marked  or  spotted  with  black  (adult ) . 

Anser  albifrons  gambeli. 
American  White-fronted  Goose. 
See  No.  70. 

No  white  on  forehead  or  base  of  bill;  bill,  yellowish  in  dried  skin; 
nail  of  bill  (unguis),  dusky;  rump,  slaty  brown;  wing  coverts,  edged 
with  white  (immature).  Anser  albifrons  gambeli. 

American  White-fronted  Goose. 
See  No.  70. 

General  plumage,  grayish ;  rump,  white ;  smaller  than  C.  h.  niva- 
lis; bill,  over  1.90;  tarsus,  over  2.80;  middle  toe,  over  2.10  (imma- 
ture). Chiefly  Pacific  coast  to  Mississippi  Valley;  rare  on  Atlantic 
coast.  Chen  hyperborea. 

Lesser  Snow  Goose. 
See  No.  68. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  73 

General  plumage,  grayish;  rump,  white;  larger  than  C.  hyper- 
borea  (immature).  Eastern  North  America,  south  in  winter  to 
Florida  and  Cuba.  Chen  hyperborea  nivalis. 

Greater  Snow  Goose. 
See  No.  68a. 

Head,  brownish  gray;  chin,  white;  rump,  gray;  unguis  (nail  of 
bill),  yellow;  wing  coverts,  grayish,  showing  very  little  white  on  the 
edge  of  the  feathers  (immature ) .  Chen  carulescens. 

Blue  Goose. 
See  No.  69. 


Subfamily   CYGNIN^E.      Swans. 

Size,  very  large ;  bare  skin,  between  the  bill  and  eye ;  tarsus,  reticu- 
late (scales  rounded);  neck,  very  long;  wing,  over  19  inches  long; 
hind  toe,  without  flap. 

General  plumage,  white;  bill,  black,  with  yellow  spot  (adult); 
distance  from  tip  of  bill  to  nostril,  less  than  distance  from  nostril  to 
eye  (immature  birds  are  gray  or  brownish  gray ) .  Olor  columbianus. 

Whistling  Swan. 

See  No.  73. 


Whistling  Swan. 

General  plumage,  white;  bill,  black,  showing  no  yellow;  distance 
from  tip  of  bill  to  nostril,  more  than  distance  from  nostril  to  eye. 
Chiefly  found  in  the  interior  of  North  America;  (immature  birds  are 
gray  or  brownish  gray).  Olor  buccinator. 

Trumpeter  Swan. 
See  No.  74. 


74     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

General  plumage,  gray,  or  brownish  gray;   distance  from  tip  of 
bill  to  nostril,  less  than  distance  from  nostril  to  eye  (immature). 

Olor  columbianus . 
Whistling  Swan. 

See  No.  73. 

General  plumage,  gray  or  brownish  gray ;  distance  from  tip  of  bill 
to  nostril,  more  than  distance  from  nostril  to  eye  (immature). 

Olor  buccinator. 
Trumpeter  Swan. 

See  No.  74. 


ORDER  HERODIONES. 

HERONS,   IBISES,    SPOONBILLS,    ETC. 

Suborder  I  BIDES. 
IBISES    AND    SPOONBILLS. 

Family    PLATALEID^.      Spoonbills. 

Bill,  wide,  flat,  and  rounded  at  the  end;   toes,  four,  all  on  same 
level. 

Wing,  13  to  17  inches  long. 


Bill,  flat,  widened  and  rounded  at  end;    general  plumage,  pink 
and  white  in  the  adult.  Ajaia  ajaia. 

Roseate  Spoonbill. 
See  No.  75. 

75 


76     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Family    IBIDIOE.      Ibises. 

Bill,  long,  rather  slender,  and  decidedly  curved  downward;  tarsus, 
always  less  than  five  inches  long ;  toes,  four,  all  on  the  same  level,  no 
comb-like  edge  on  side  of  middle  toe  nail ;  wing,  from  8.50  to  13  inches 
long. 

Wing,  less  than  10.50  inches  long. 

General  plumage,  dark  chestnut;  feathers,  at  base  of  bill,  not 
white.  Plegadis  autumnalis. 

Glossy  Ibis. 

See  No.  77. 


Immature.  White  Ibis.  Adult. 

General  plumage,  white ;  primaries,  blackish  (adult ) .      Guara  alba. 

White  Ibis. 
See  No.  76. 

General  plumage,  brownish  or  grayish,  often  more  or  less  mixed 
brown,  gray,  and  white;    rump,  white  (immature).  Guara  alba. 

White  Ibis. 
See  No.  76. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


77 


Suborder  CICONI^. 
STORKS,   ETC. 

Family  CICONIID^,      Storks  and  Wood 

Ibises. 
Subfamily   MYCTERIIN^.      Wood   Ibises. 

Greater  part  of  plumage,  white;  bill,  rounded  and  somewhat 
curved,  very  thick  and  strong ;  tarsus,  always  over  5  inches  long ;  toes, 
four,  all  on  same  level ;  no  comb-like  edge  on  inner  side  of  middle  toe 
nail;  front  toes,  with  small  webs  at  base;  wing,  17  to  19  inches  long. 


78     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

General  plumage,  white;  the  wings  and  tail,  more  or  less  black; 
head  and  upper  neck,  bare  in  adult,  feathered  in  immature  birds. 

Mycteria  americana. 
Wood  Ibis. 

See  No.  78. 

Suborder  HERODII. 
HERONS,    EGRETS,    BITTERNS,    ETC. 

Family    ARDEID^.      Herons    and    Bitterns. 

Special  Characters:  In  the  true  Herons  there  are  three  pairs  of 
thick  tracts  of  concealed  feathers  known  as  powder  down  tracts, 
one  on  the  lower  back,  one  on  the  belly,  and  one  on  the  breast.  The 
Bitterns  lack  the  down  patch  on  the  breast,  having  only  two.  Bill, 
straight,  stout,  and  sharp  pointed,  having  a  groove  on  the  side  of  the 
upper  mandible;  lores,  with  bare  space  variable  in  size;  tail,  short, 
usually  12  feathers  in  the  Herons  and  10  in  the  Bitterns;  hind  toe, 
on  level  with  the  front  ones ;  inner  side  of  middle  toe  nail,  with  distinct 
comb-like  edge. 

Tail  feathers,  10;  two  pairs  of  powder  down  tracts  (concealed 
feathers  ) .  Subfamily  Botaurince. 

Bitterns. 

Tail  feathers    (usually),   12;    three  pairs  of  powder  down  tracts. 

Subfamily  Ardeinoe. 
Herons. 

*  GROUP   1.      Wing,  less  than  6  inches  long. 


Least  Bittern. 


JAN.,   1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


79 


Under  parts  and  sides  of  the  head  and  throat,  buff  white ;   a  black 
patch  on  sides  of  the  breast.  Ixobrychus  exilis. 

Least  Bittern. 

See  No.  80. 

Under  parts  and  sides  of  the  head  and  throat,  rufous  chestnut; 

under  tail  coverts,  dull  black.  Ixobrychus  neoxenus. 

Cory's  Least  Bittern. 
See  No.  81. 


*  GROUP  2.      Wing,  6  to  7.50  inches  long. 


Green  Heron. 

Crown,  greenish  or  greenish  black;   legs,  orange  yellow  in  life. 

Butorides  virescens. 
Green  Heron. 

See  No.  87. 


*  GROUP  3.     Wing,  8.50  to  n  inches  long. 

Greater  part  of  plumage,   slaty  blue;    belly,   slaty  blue;    head, 
tinged  with  purplish  brown    (adult ) .  Florida  c&ridea. 

Little  Blue  Heron. 


:  For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 


See  No.  86. 


8o     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

General  plumage,  white;   tips  of  primaries,  tinged  with  slaty  blue; 
legs,   yellowish  olive    (immature).  Florida  caridea. 

Little  Blue  Heron. 

See  No.  86. 


General  plumage,  white;   ends  of  primaries,  not  tinged  with  slaty 
blue;    legs,  black;    feet,  yellow.  Egretta  candidissima. 

Snowy  Heron.     Snowy  Egret. 
See  No.  84. 


General  plumage,  tawny  brown,  mottled  and  streaked  with  dark 
brown;    upper  surface  of  primaries,  blackish. 

Botaurus  lentiginosus . 
American  Bittern. 

See  No.  79. 

Bill,  large;  top  of  head,  black;  back,  green  (adult) ;  culmen,  about 
as  long  as  tarsus.  Nycticorax  nycticorax  navius. 

Black-crowned  Night  Heron. 

See  No.  88. 


Bill,  large;  top  of  head,  white  or  whitish;  back,  not  green  (adult) ; 
culmen,  much  shorter  than  tarsus.  Nyctanassa  violacea. 

Yellow-crowned  Night  Heron. 
See  No.  89. 

Bill,  large;  general  plumage,  mottled,  and  streaked  brown  and 
white;  outer  edge  of  primaries,  reddish  brown  (immature) ;  culmen, 
about  as  long  as  tarsus.  Nycticorax  nycticorax  ncevius. 

Black-crowned  Night  Heron. 

See  No.  88. 


Bill,  large;  general  plumage,  mottled  and  streaked  brown  and 
white;  primaries,  slaty  brown  (immature);  culmen,  much  shorter 
than  tarsus.  Nyctanassa  violacea. 

Yellow-crowned  Night  Heron. 
See  No.  80. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  81 


-ML 


Black-crowned  Night  Heron. 


82     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


*  GROUP  4.     Wing,  n  to  15  inches  long. 

Bill,  stout;    top  of  the  head,  black;    back,  dark  green;    culmen, 
about  as  long  as  tarsus   (adult). 

Nycticorax  nycticorax  nasvius. 
Black-crowned  Night  Heron. 

See  No.  88. 


Bill,  stout;    top  of  head,  white  or  whitish;    back,  not  green;    cul- 
men, much  shorter  than  tarsus    (adult). 

Nyctanassa  violacea. 
Yellow-crowned  Night  Heron. 
See  No.  89. 

Bill,  stout;  general  plumage,  mottled  and  streaked  brown  and 
white;  outer  edge  of  primaries,  reddish  brown ;  culmen,  about  as  long 
as  tarsus  (immature ) .  Nycticorax  nycticorax  navius. 

Black-crowned  Night  Heron. 

See  No.  88. 

Bill,  stout;  general  plumage,  mottled  and  streaked  grayish  brown 
and  white;  primaries,  slaty  brown ;  culmen,  much  shorter  than  tarsus 
(immature ) .  Nyctanassa  violacea . 

Yellow-crowned  Night  Heron. 

See  No.  80. 


American  Egret. 

General  plumage,  white;   bill,  yellow;  legs,  black. 

Herodias  egretta. 
American  Egret. 

See  No.  83. 

*  For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  83 

General  plumage,  white;    legs,  dark  olive;    terminal  half  of  bill, 
black ;  basal  half,  flesh  color  (white  phase ) . 

Dichromanassa  rufescens. 
Reddish  Egret. 

See  No.  85. 

Head  and  neck,  rufous  chestnut;   rest  of  plumage,  slate  color,  or 

slaty  gray.  Dichromanassa  rufescens. 

Reddish  Egret. 

See  No.  85. 

General  plumage,  yellow  brown,  mottled  and  streaked  with  dark 
brown;    upper  surface  of  primaries,  blackish. 

Botaurus  lentiginosus . 
American  Bittern. 
See  No.  79. 


*  GROUP  5.      Wing,  over  15  inches  long. 

Plumage,  entirely  white;  wing,  less  than  17  inches  long;  bill, 
under  5.50;  tarsus,  under  7.25.  Herodias  egretta. 

American  Egret. 
See  No.  83. 

Greater  part  of  upper  plumage,  bluish  gray  or  slaty  gray;  adults 
in  breeding  have  middle  of  crown  and  throat,  white;  bill,  less  than 
6.25;  immature  birds  have  the  top  of  the  head,  black. 

Ardea  herodias. 
Great  Blue  Heron. 
See  No.  82. 

*For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 


ORDER  PALUDICOL^E. 

CRANES,   RAILS,    LIMPKINS. 
Suborder  GRUES.     CRANES. 

Family   GRUID^.      Cranes. 


Whooping  Crane. 

Special  Characters :     Size,  large ;  lores,  with  hair-like  bristles ;  bill, 
over  3  inches  long;  wing,  over  16  inches;  tarsus,  over  7  inches;  toes, 

84 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  85 

four,  no  comb-like  edge  on  inner  side  of  middle  toe  nail ;  hind  toe,  ele- 
vated above  level  of  front  toes ;  tarsus,  broadly  scutellate  (transverse 
scales )  in  front. 


Adult:  General  plumage,  white;  wing,  over  22  inches  long;  bill, 
5.20  to  6;  tarsus,  n  inches  or  over.  Immature  birds  are  whitish; 
often  washed  with  pale  rusty;  head,  entirely  feathered. 

Grus  americana. 
Whooping  Crane. 
See  No.  90. 


General  plumage,  slaty  gray;  bare  skin  on  head  of  adult,  red  (in 
life);  immature  birds  are  brownish;  distinguished  from  the  next  by 
its  size.  Wing  over  20  (21  to  22.50);  bill,  5  to  6 ;  tarsus,  10  to  10.75 
inches.  Grus  mexicana. 

Sandhill  Crane. 
See  No.  92. 


General  plumage,  slaty  gray;  resembles  G.  mexicana  but  smaller; 
wing,  less  than  20  inches  (17  to  19.75);  tarsus,  always  less  than 
9.00  (6.60  to  8.75);  bill,  3  to  4.50  inches.  Northwestern  species; 
accidental  straggler  in  Wisconsin.  Grus  canadensis. 

Little  Brown  Crane. 
See  No.  91. 


Suborder  RALLI. 
LIMPKINS,    RAILS,    GALLINULES,    COOTS,    ETC. 

Family    ARAMID^E.       Courlans,    Limpkins. 

Bill,  over  3  inches  long;  tarsus,  under  7;  wing,  under  16;  toes, 
four,  no  comb-like  edge  on  inner  side  of  middle  toe  nail;  hind  toe, 
raised  above  level  of  front  toes. 


General  plumage,  dark  olive  brown,  streaked  and  marked  with 
pure  white;  tail,  purplish  brown,  showing  metallic  gloss  when  held 
in  the  light;  feathers  of  the  back,  breast,  and  wing  coverts,  brown, 
with  stripe  in  middle  of  each  feather;  tip  of  lower  mandible  slightly 


86     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

twisted.     Occurs  in  Atlantic  States  only  in  Florida;    accidental  in 
Illinois.  Aramus  vociferus. 

Limpkin. 
See  No.  93. 


Limpkin. 

Family   RALLID^.      Rails,    Gallinules,    and 
Coots. 

In  North  America  the  Rallidee  are  subdivided  into  three  well- 
marked   groups,   which  may  be   characterized   as   follows: 

Key  to  subfamilies  and  genera. 

i.     No  frontal  shield;    toes,  long;    tail,  short;   wings,  short  and 
rounded.  Subfamily  RALLITOE.     Rails. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  87 

A.  Bill,  slender,  longer  than  head.  RALLUS. 

B.  Bill,  comparatively  stout,  shorter  than  head. 

PORZANA. 


2.  A  horny  frontal  plate  or  shield;    toes,  without  large  lobate 
webs.  Subfamily  GALLINULIN^E.     Gallinules. 

A.  Toes,   without  narrow  lateral   margin.  IONORNIS. 

B.  Toes,  with  narrow  lateral  margin.  GALLINULA. 

3.  A  horny  frontal  shield;   toes,  with  large  lobate  webs. 

Subfamily  FULICINJE.    Coots. 

A.     General  plumage,  slate  color;   pale  on  under  parts. 

FULICA. 


Subfamily   RALLIN^E.      Rails. 

Birds  which  frequent  marshy  places.     Toes,  long;    wings,  short 
and  rounded ;  bill,  shorter  than  middle  toe  and  claw  together. 


, 


Virginia  Rail. 


King  Rail. 


Black  Rail.  Sora  Rail. 


88     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


GROUP  1.     Wing,  less  than  3.75  inches  long. 

Throat,  breast,  and  sides  of  head,  slaty  gray ;  primaries,  with  more 
or  less  white  spots.     Frequents  marshes.  Creciscus  jamaicensis. 

Black  Rail. 
See  No.  98. 

Throat,  breast,  and  sides  of  the  head,  tawny  brown,  no  white  spots 
on  primaries.  Coturnicops  noveboracensis . 

Yellow  Rail. 
See  No.  97. 


*  GROUP  2.     Wing,  from  3.75  to  4.75  inches  long. 

Back,  black  or  fuscous,  the  feathers  edged  with  brownish  or  grayish 
olive;  under  parts,  cinnamon  rufous,  whitish  on  the  throat;  bill, 
slightly  curved.  Rattus  virginianus. 

Virginia  Rail. 

See  No.  95. 

Back,  with  more  or  less  white  streaks;  breast,  gray  or  tawny, 
according  to  age;  lower  belly,  dull  white.  Porzana  Carolina. 

Carolina  Rail  or  Sora. 
See  No.  96. 


*  GROUP  3.     Wing,  over  4.75  inches  long. 

Breast  tinged  with  rufous;  feathers  on  back,  dark  olive,  edged 
with  gray;  cheeks  and  ear  coverts,  pale  cinnamon  rufous,  sometimes 
blackish  in  young  birds;  bill,  over  1.25  inches  long.  Found  in  fresh 
water  marshes.  Rallus  ekgans. 

King  Rail. 
See  No.  94. 

*For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 


JAN.,  1909      BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  89 


Subfamily   FULICIN^.      Coots. 


Bill,  short  and  pointed;  forehead,  with  more  or  less  of  a  shield; 
toes,  with  large  lobate  webs;  head,  blackish;  back,  dark  slaty  gray; 
under  parts,  dark  ash  gray,  whitish  on  abdomen. 

Fulica  americana. 

American  Coot.   Mud  Hen.   Blue  Peter. 
See  No.  101. 


Subfamily  GALLINULIN^E.      Gallinules. 


Toes,  not  webbed;   no  white  on  sides  of  body;    head  and  breast, 
purplish  blue ;  back,  greenish.  lonornis  martinica. 

Purple  Gajlinule. 
See  No.  99. 


90     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Head,  smoky  black;  breast, 
dark  gray;  toes  not  webbed;  more 
or  less  white  on  sides  of  body. 

Gallinula  galeata. 
Florida  Gallinule. 
See  No.   100. 


Gallinule. 


INDEX  TO   KEY. 

ORDER 


SHORE    BIRDS. 
Hind  toe,  when  present,  always  elevated  above  level  of  front  toes. 

Family    PHALAROPODID^.      Phalaropes. 

Sides  of  toes  with  rounded  lobes  or  narrow  webs.     See  page  93. 


Family      RECURVIROSTRI  D^.        Avocets 
and    Stilts. 

Toes,  more  or  less  webbed  (not  lobate)  ;    tarsus,  over  3.50;    bill  curved  upward 
or  straight.     See  page  95. 

Family   SCOLOPACID^. 

SNIPE,    SANDPIPERS,    CURLEWS,   WOODCOCK,    GODW1TS, 
WILLETS,    ETC. 

Tarsus,  less  than  3.50  inches  long;    sides  of  toes,  without  lobate  webs;    toes, 
four   (one   exception,   the   Sanderling)  ;     front  of  tarsus,  with  transverse 


GROUP  i.     Birds  having  wings  from  3 .  25  to  3  .  75  inches  long         .  See  page  96. 

GROUP  2.     Birds  having  wings  from  3.75  to  4.50  inches  long     .  "   ,   "  97- 

Section  i.     Toes,  four,  with  small  web  (not  lobate  at  base).  "  "  97. 

Section  2.     Toes,  four,  without  web  .          ...          .          .  "  "  08. 

Section  3.     Toes,  three;  bill,  over  .75          .          .          .  "  "  98. 

GROUP  3.     Birds  having  wings  from  4.50  to  5.50  inches  long      .  "  "  99. 

Section  i.     Toes,  four,  a  small  web  between  toes;  bill,  less  *• 

than  .75       .........""  99. 

Section  2.     Toes,  four,  a  small  web  between  outer  and  middle 

toes;      bill,  over  1.75            .          .          .          .          .          .  "  "  100. 

Section  3.     Toes,  four,  without  web;  bill,  over  2  inches  long  "  "  100. 

Section  4.     Toes,  four,   without  web;    bill,  over    i .  10  and 

less  than  i.  90      .          .          .          .          .          .          .          .  "  "  101. 

Section  5.     Toes,  four,  without  web;  bill,  under  i.io       .  "  "  102. 

Section  6.     Toes,  three;   bill,  over  .60  inch  long           .          .  "  "  103. 


92     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

GROUP  4.  Birds  having  wings  from  5.50  to  6.75  inches  long  .  See  page  103. 
Section  i.  Toes,  four,  a  small  web  between  outer  and 

middle  toes;  bill  over  1.80  .  .  .  .  .  "  "  103. 
Section  2.  Toes,  four,  a  small  web  between  outer  and 

middle  toes;   bill  under  1.80       .          .          .          .  "  "      104. 

Section  3.     Toes,  four,  without  web;  bill,  over  2  inches  long  "  "      105. 

Section  4.     Toes,  four,  without  web;  bill,  under  2      .          .  "  "      105. 

GROUP  5.     Birds  having  wings  from  6.75  to  9  inches  long          .  "  "      106. 

Section  i.     Toes,  four,  with  more  or  less  web;   bill, 

curved  upwards  or  straight ;  bill,  over  2 . 60  inches  .  "  "  106. 
Section  2.  Toes,  four,  with  small  web;  bill,  slightly 

curved  upward  or  straight ;    bill,  under  2 . 60  and 

over  i .  50  inches  long  .  .  .  .  .  "  "  108. 
Section  3.  Toes,  four,  with  small  web;  bill,  nearly 

straight;  bill,  less  than  i .  50  inches  long  .  .  .  "  "  108. 
Section  4.  Toes,  four,  with  small  web;  bill,  curved 

downward;    bill,  over  2  inches  long     .          .          .          .  "  "      108. 

GROUP  6.     Birds  having  wings  from  9  to  12  inches  long  .           .  "  "      no. 

Section  i.     Toes,  four;  bill,  curved  downward  .          .          .  "  "      no. 

Section  2.     Toes,  four;  bill,  curved  upward  or  nearly  straight  "  "       in. 


Family   CHARADRIID^.      Plovers. 

Toes,  three  (one  exception,  Black-bellied  Plover) ;   bill,  comparatively  short  and 
thick;    front  of  tarsus,  with  small  rounded  scales       .          .      See  page  m. 

GROUP  i.     Wing,  3.75    to  4.50  inches  long;    toes,   three,  no 

hind  toe          .........""  112. 

Section  i.  Bill,  under  .  60  inch  long  .  .  .  .  112. 

GROUP  2.  Wing,  4.  50  to  5. 50  inches  long;  toes,  three,  no  hind  toe  "  "  112. 

Section  i.  Bill,  under  .60  inch  long  .  .  .  "  "  112. 

GROUP  3.  Wing,  5. 50  to  6.  75  inches  long;  toes,  three,  no  hind  toe  "  "  112. 

GROUP  4.  Wing,  over  6 . 7 5  inches  long  .  .  .  .  "  "  113. 

Section  i.     Toes,  three,  no  hind  toe          .          .          .  "  "  113. 

Section  2.     Toes,  four    .          .          .          .          .          .          .  "  "  113. 


Family  APHRIZID^.      Turnstones,  etc. 

,  shorter  than  head  and  horny  at  tip;    toes,  four;  lower 
back  and  rump,  white,  with  black  band    ....     See  page  1 1 4. 


ORDER  LIMICOL^E. 

SNIPES,  PLOVERS,  SANDPIPERS,  CURLEWS,  PHALAROPES,  ETC. 
Hind  toe,  when  present,  always  elevated  above  level  of  front  toes. 

Family    PHALAROPODID^E. 

PHALAROPES. 

Sides  of  toes,  with  lobes  or  narrow  marginal  webs;   tarsus,  com- 
pressed;  nostrils,  near  base  of  bill. 


Wilson's  Phalarope. 


Red  Phalarope.     Winter  plumage. 


93 


94     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY.  VOL.  IX. 


Red  Phalarope. 


Phalaropus  fulicarius. 


Back,  heavily  streaked  with  black  and  tawny;  belly,  reddish 
brown,  showing  more  or  less  white;  toes,  with  small  lobate  web; 
wing,  5.20  to  5.50.  Phalaropus  fulicarius. 

Red  Phalarope. 

See  No.  102. 


Northern  Phalarope. 


Lobipes  lobat 


Back,  grayish,  streaked  with  tawny;    belly,  white;    toes,  partly 
webbed;  bill,  under  1.05;  tarsus,  under  i ;  wing,  4  to  4.50. 

Lobipes  lobatus. 
Northern  Phalarope. 

See  No.  103. 


Wilson's  Phalarope. 


Steganopus  tricolor. 


Back,  grayish,  marked  with  chestnut  brown;  belly,  white;  bill, 
over  1.05;  tarsus,  over  i;  toes,  with  narrow  web  on  sides;  wing,  5.10 
to  5.40  (female).  Steganopus  tricolor. 

Wilson's  Phalarope. 

See  No.  104. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


95 


Back,  grayish,  mottled  with  dusky  or  whitish;  bill,  over  1.05; 
tarsus,  over  i  inch;  toes,  with  narrow  web  on  sides;  wing,  4.75  to 
4.95  (male).  Steganopus  tricolor. 

Wilson's  Phalarope. 
See  No.  104. 


Family    RECURVIROSTRID^. 

AVOCETS  AND  STILTS. 
Legs,  long ;  tarsus  over  3.50  inches ;  bill,  curved  upward  or  straight. 

Bill,  curved  upward;  head  and  neck,  pale  rufous  (summer), 
white  or  grayish  (winter);  back  and  tail,  white;  axillars,  white; 
belly,  white;  first  primary,  dark  with  dark  shaft;  toes,  four;  toes, 
webbed.  Recurvirostra  americana. 

American  Avocet. 
See  No.  105. 


Avocet. 


Stilt. 


96     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Bill,  nearly  straight;  top  of  head  and  nape,  black;  general  upper 
plumage,  glossy  black;  front  of  head  and  front  of  neck,  rump,  and 
under  parts,  white;  axillars,  white;  first  primary,  dark,  with  dark 
shaft;  legs,  very  long,  rose  pink  in  life;  toes,  three. 

Himantopus  mexicanus. 
Black-necked  Stilt. 
See  No.  106. 


Family   SCOLOPACID^. 

SNIPES,    SANDPIPERS,   CURLEWS,    ETC. 

Toes,  four  (one  exception,  the  Sanderling  Sandpiper) ;  bill,  com- 
paratively slender  and  soft  skinned ;  nasal  grooves,  narrow  and  long 
(from  one-half  to  two-thirds  the  length  of  the  bill ) ;  nostrils,  narrow 
slits;  tail,  short;  wing  (inmost  species),  long  and  pointed;  hind  toe 
(when  present),,  always  elevated  above  the  level  of  the  front  toes; 
tarsus,  with  transverse  scales. 


*  GROUP  1.      Wing,  from  3.25  103.75  inches  long. 


No  web  between  toes;   belly,  white. 


*For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  ai. 


Pisobia  minutilla. 

Pisobia  minutilla. 
Least  Sandpiper. 
See  No.  117. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 
Toes,  with  small  web;,  bill,  usually  under  .85. 


97 


Ereunetes  pusillus . 
Semipalmated  Sandpiper. 
See  No.  119. 


Toes,  with  small  web;   bill,  usually  over  .85. 


Ereunetes  pusillus 
(Foot.) 


Ereunetes  mauri. 
Western  Sandpiper. 
See  No.  120. 


*GROUP  2.     Wing,  3.75  to  4.50  inches  long. 
SECTION  1.     Toes,  four,  with   small  web  at  base. 


Bill,   under  .85;    back,   not  greenish   olive;    bill, 
entirely  black.  Ereunetes  pusillus. 

Semipalmated  Sandpiper. 
See  No.  119. 


Ereunetes  pusillus. 


Bill,  over  .85 ;  back,  not  greenish  olive ;  bill,  black;  no  white  patch 
on  inner  web  of  third  primary.  Ereunetes  mauri. 

Western  Sandpiper. 


See  No.  120. 


*  For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  2 1 


98     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Small  web  between  outer  and  middle  toe;  bill,  over  .85;  back, 
greenish  olive,  sometimes  banded;  under  mandible,  pale  yellow 
(in  life ) ;  third  primary  and  inner  primaries  with  patch  of  white  on 
inner  web.  Actitis  macularia. 

Spotted  Sandpiper. 
See  No.  130. 


SECTION  2.     Toes,  four,  without  web. 

Belly,  white;  bill,  black.  Pisobia  minutilla. 

Least  Sandpiper. 
See  No.  117. 


Pisobia  minutilla. 


SECTION   3.      Toes,  three;  bill,  over  .75  inches  long. 


Sanderling  Sandpiper. 

Belly,  white;  basal  half  of  outer  webs  of  inner  primaries,  white; 
back,  mixed  rufous,  black  and  white,  or  grayish  brown,  or  entirely 
black  (breeding),  according  to  season;  bill,  about  one  inch  long. 

Calidris  leucoph&a. 
Sanderling  Sandpiper. 
See  Xo.  T2i. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


99 


*  GROUP  3.     Wing,  4.50  to  5.50  inches  long. 
SECTION  1.      Toes,  four,  a  small  web  between  toes;  bill,  under  1.75. 

Bill,  under  1.75;   tarsus,  over  1.30.     All  other  species  in  this  sec- 
tion have  the  tarsus  less  than  1.30.  Micropalama  himantopus. 

Stilt  Sandpiper. 

See  No.  in. 


Tarsus,  under  1.30;  back,  dark  olive  spotted  with 
white,  or  brownish  gray  spotted  with  dull  white 
according  to  season.  Axillars,  heavily  barred; 
a  small  web  between  the  outer  and  middle  toe. 

Helodromas  solitarius. 
Solitary  Sandpiper. 
See  No.  126. 


Axiliars,  Helodromus 


rs,  ilelodr 
iolitarius. 


Back,  greenish  olive,  sometimes  barred  with  black;  axillars,  white; 
without  bars.  At  some  seasons  under  parts  with  round  black  spots, 
a  small  web  between  the  outer  and  middle  toe.  Actitis  macularia. 

Spotted  Sandpiper. 


Summer.  Spotted  Sandpiper.  Winter 

*  For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 


ioo     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


SECTION  2.      Toes,  four,  a  small  web  between  outer  and  middle  toes; 
bill,  over    1.75. 


Macrorhamphus  grisex 


Macrorhamphus  griseus 


Bill,  over  1.75;  axillars,  white,  barred  with  dark  brown;  rump  and 
tail,  white,  spotted  and  banded  with  black;  a  small  web  between 
outer  and  middle  toes. 

Macrorhamphus  griseus.    Dowitcher.  Red-breasted  Snipe. 
Macrorhamphus  scolopaceus.    Long-billed    Dowitcher. 
See  Nos.  109  and  no. 

SECTION    3.      Toes,  four,  without  web;  bill,  over  2  inches  long. 

Axillars,  rufous  brown,  without  bars;   belly,  buff  color. 

Philohela  minor. 
Woodcock. 
See  No.  107. 


Axillars,  barred  black  and  white;  belly,  white; 
upper  tail  coverts  and  tail,  tawny,  more  or  less 
marked  with  black;  no  web  between  toes. 

Gallinago  delicata. 
Wilson's  Snipe.     Jack  Snipe. 
See  No.  108. 


Gallinago  delicata. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  101 

SECTION   4.      Toes,  four,  without  web;  bill,  over  i.io;  and 
less  than  1.90. 


Red-backed  Sandpiper. 


Winter. 


Pelidna  alpina  sakhalina 


Bill,  decurved   near  tip;  one  or  more  of 

inner  secondaries,  almost  entirely  white ;  upper 

tail  coverts,  not  white,  barred  with  black;  legs 

and  feet,  black.     Spring  birds  have  black  on 

the  belly,  and  back,  rufous  brown  and  black. 

Fall  birds  have  the  belly  white  and  back  gray. 

Pelidna  alpina  sakhalina. 

Red-backed  Sandpiper.     American  Dunlin. 

See  No.  118. 


Tail  and  upper  tail  coverts. 
Pisobia  maculata. 


Bill,  nearly  straight;  back,  marked 
with  tawny  and  black;  breast  with  nu- 
merous narrow,  brown  streaks;  none  of 
inner  secondaries  almost 
entirely  white;  lower  rump 
and  upper  tail  coverts, 
black,  the  feathers  more  or  less  tipped 
with  buff;  two  middle  tail  feathers,  longer 
than  the  others.  Pisobia  maculata. 

Pectoral  Sandpiper.     Grass  Bird. 
See  No.  114. 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 

RIVERSIDE 


102     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Purple  Sandpiper. 


Bill,  nearly  straight;  back,  dark; 
feathers,  edged  with  ashy  or  buff; 
breast,  grayish,  without  brown 
streaks;  one  or  more  of  inner 
secondaries  almost  entirely  white; 
legs  and  feet,  yellow  in  life,  pale 
brown  in  dried  skin. 

Arquatella  maritima. 
Purple  Sandpiper. 
See  No.  113. 


SECTION   5.      Toes,  four,  without  web;  bill,  under  i.io. 


Upper  tail  coverts,  white;   ^ 
inner   webs    of    primaries, 
not  speckled. 

Pisobia  fuscicollis. 
White-rumped  Sandpiper. 
See  No.  115. 


Pisobia  fuscicollis. 


Middle  upper  tail  coverts,  smoky  or  dusky, 

often    tipped    with    buff;     inner    webs    of 

primaries     not     speckled;      sides,     white; 

middle  toe  and  claw,  less  than  .95;    legs 

and  bill,  blackish.  Pisobia  bairdii. 

Baird's  Sandpiper. 

See  No.  116. 


Pisobia  bairdii. 
Tail  and  upper  tail  coverts 


Pisobia  maculata. 
Tail  and  upper  tail  coverts. 


Middle  upper  tail  coverts,  black,  often 
narrowly  tipped  with  brownish  buff;  inner 
webs  of  primaries,  not  speckled;  middle 
toe  and  claw,  over  .95;  middle  tail  fea- 
thers decidedly  longer  than  the  rest;  legs, 
yellowish  olive;  base  of  bill,  dull  olive; 
tip,  black.  Pisobia  maculata. 

Pectoral  Sandpiper.     Grass  Bird. 
See  No.  114. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


Inner      web      of      primaries 
speckled. 

Tryngites  subruficollis. 
Buff-breasted  Sandpiper. 
See  No.  129. 


Tryngites  subruficollis. 
First  primary. 


Buff-breasted  Sandpiper. 

SECTION  6.      Toes,  three;   bill,  over  .60  inch. 


Bill,  black;  shoulder  (lesser  and  middle  wing 
coverts),  brown;  no  web  between  toes;  legs, 
black;  no  hind  toe.  Calidris  leucophaa. 

Sanderling  Sandpiper. 
See  No.  121. 


Calidris  leucophaea. 


*  GROUP  4.      Wing,  5.50  to  6.75  inches  long. 

SECTION   1.      Toes,  four,  a  small  web  between  outer  and  middle  toe ; 
bill,  over  1.80. 

Upper  tail  coverts  and  axillars,  white, 
spotted  or  barred  with  dusky;  bill,  nearly 
straight.  Macrorhamphu&griseus. 

Dowitcher.     Red-breasted  Snipe. 

See  No.  109. 

Macrorhamphus  scolopaceus. 
Long-billed    Dowitcher.     Western    Red-breasted 
Snipe.  See  No.  no. 


^Macrorhamphus  griseus. 


:  For  directions  fc 


easurement,  see  page  21. 


104     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

SECTION  2.     Toes,  four,  a  small  web  between  outer  and  middle  toe; 
bill,  under  1.80. 

Tarsus  and   middle   toe    together,    more 

than  2.60  inches  long;    outer  primary,  slate 

brown,  without   bars;    rump   and  upper  tail 

coverts,    white,    more    or  less    barred    with 

brown ;    legs,  yellow.  Totanus  flavipe~s. 

Summer  Yellow-legs. 

See  No.  125. 

Totanus  flavipes. 


Stilt  Sandpiper. 


Tarsus  and  middle  toe  together,  less  than  2.60;  upper  tail  coverts, 
white,  or  white  barred  with  black;  outer  primary,  slate  brown,  without 
bars.  Micropalama  himantopus. 

Stilt  Sandpiper. 
See  No.  in. 


Bartramian  Sandpiper. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


105 


Outer  primary,  whitish,  barred  with  dark  brown. 

Bartramia  longicauda. 
Bartramian  Sandpiper.     Upland  Plover. 
See  No.  128. 


SECTION  3.      Toes,  four,  without  web;  bill,  over  2  inches  long. 


Lower  belly,  whitish  or   white;     axillars, 
barred  black  and  white.        Gallinago  delicata. 
Wilson's  Snipe.     Jack  Snipe. 
See  No.  108. 


Gallinago  delicata 


Belly,  buff  color;   axillars,  rufous  brown. 


Philohela  minor. 
Woodcock. 

See  No.  107. 


SECTION  4.      Toes,  four,  without    web;  bill,  under   2   inches    long. 


Rump,  gray ;  upper  tail  coverts,  whitish,  band- 
ed or  marked  with  black;  inner  webs  or  primaries, 
not  speckled. 

Tringa  canutus. 
Knot. 
See  No.  112. 


Tringa  canutus. 


io6     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Rump,  blackish;  middle  upper  tail 
coverts,  black  (not  banded ) ;  inner  web 
of  primaries,  not  speckled. 

Pisobia  maculata. 
Pectoral  Sandpiper.     Grass  Bird. 
See  No.  114. 


Pisobia  maculata. 


Inner     webs     of     primaries, 
speckled. 

Tryngites  subruficollis. 
Buff-breasted  Sandpiper. 
See  No.  129. 


Tryngties  subruficollis. 


*  GROUP  5.      Wing,  6.75  to  9  inches  long. 

SECTION    1.      Toes,  four,  with   more  or  less  web;  bill,  curved   up 
wards  or  straight;   bill,  over   2.60. 


/   .  h 


Willet.  Catoptrophorus  semipalmatus. 

Axillars,  smoky  black;    belly,  white;    terminal  third  of  outer  pri- 
mary, black;   the  rest,  white;   bill,  nearly  straight. 

Catoptrophorus  semipalmatus. 
Willet. 

Catoptrophorus  semipalmatus  inornatus. 
Western  Willet. 
See  Nos.  127  and  i27a. 

*  For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


107 


Hudsonian  God  wit. 


Axillars,  dark  gray,  or  sooty  gray;  belly,  grayish  white;  first 
primary,  dark  slaty  brown,  with  white  shaft;  bill,  curved  upward; 
upper  tail  coverts  mostly  white. 

Limosa  hamastica. 
Hudsonian  Godwit. 
See  No.  123. 


Marbled  Godwit. 


Axillars,  rufous  brown;  upper  tail  coverts,  not  white;  belly,  buff, 
sometimes  barred  with  dark  brown;  primaries,  pale  rufous  » brown, 
with  numerous  dark  dots;  shaft  of  primaries,  white;  bill,  curved 
upward.  Limosa  fedoa. 

Marbled  Godwit. 
See  No.  122. 


io8     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


SECTION  2.     Toes,  four  (with  small  web);  bill,  slightly   curved    up- 
ward or  straight;  bill,  under  2.60  and  over  1.50. 

Axillars,  smoky  black;  belly,  white;  outer 
primary  terminal  third,  black,  rest  white; 
rump,  gray;  upper  tail  coverts,  white. 

Catoptrophorus  semipalmatus . 
Willet. 

Catoptrophorus  semipalmatus  inornatus. 
Western  Willet. 
See  No.  127  or  i27a. 

Axillars,  white,  banded  with  brown;   belly,  white;   outer  primary, 

black;    shaft,   white;    rump,   grayish  brown;    feathers,   tipped  with 

white ;  upper  tail  coverts,  white,  more  or  less  barred  with  dark  brown ; 

legs,  bright  yellow.  Totanus  melanoleucus . 

Greater  Yellow-legs.     Winter  Yellow-legs. 

See  No.  124. 


SECTION  3.     Toes,  four,  with  small  web;  bill,  nearly   straight;  bill, 
under  1.50. 

Axillars,  white,  banded  with  brown;    first  primary,  brown,  with 
white  bars  on  inner  web;  tip,  dark.  Bartramia  longicauda. 

Bartramian  Sandpiper.     Upland  Plover. 
See  No.  128. 


SECTION   4.      Toes,  four,  with   small   web;  bill,  curved    downward; 
bill,  over   2   inches  long. 


First  primary. 

Primaries,  barred;    axillars  barred.  Numenius  hudsonicus. 

Hudsonian  Curlew.    Jack  Curlew. 
See  No.  132. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  109 


First  primary 

Primaries,  without  bars;    axillars,  barred.        Numenius  borealis. 

Eskimo  Curlew.     Dough  Bird. 
See  No.  133. 


Long-billed  Curlew. 


Eskimo  Curlew. 


Hudsonian  Curlew 


no     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


*  GROUP  6.      Wing,  9  to   12  inches  long. 
SECTION   1.      Toes,  four;  bill,  curved  downward. 


Axillars,  reddish  brown,  with  narrow  black  marks;  belly,  buff; 

bill,  usually  over  four  inches.  Numenius   americanus. 

Long-billed  Curlew.     Sickle-bill  Curlew. 

See  No.  131. 


First  pr 


Htidsonian  Curlew. 


Axillars. 


Axillars,  banded  with  slaty  brown  and  dull  white ;   belly,  whitish ; 
bill,  under  four  inches.  Numenius  hudsonicus. 

Hudsonian  Curlew.     Jack  Curlew. 

See  No.  132. 

*  For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  m 

SECTION  2.      Xoes,  four;  bill,  curved    upward    or    nearly    straight. 


Axillars,  rufous;  primaries,  rufous,  dotted  with  black. 

Limosa  fedoa. 
Marbled  Godwit. 
See  No.  122. 


Family    CHARADRIID^. 

j 

PLOVERS. 

Toes,  three,  no  hind  toe;  bill,  comparatively  short  and  soft;  front 
of  tarsus,  with  small  rounded  scales. 

The  Plovers  are  a  cosmopolitan  family,  numbering  something  less 
than  one  hundred  species,  fifteen  of  which  occur  in  North  America, 
including  exotic  stragglers.  As  a  rule  they  have  but  three  toes,  al- 
though two  genera,  Squatarola  and  Vanellus,  have  four.  The  tar- 
sus is  reticulate  and  the  toes  are  partly  webbed. 


Black-bellied  Plover  (Winter).  Piping  Plover.  Semipalmated  Plover. 


ii2     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

*  GROUP  1.     Wing,  3.75  to  4.50  inches  long. 
SECTION  1.     Bill,  under  .60. 


Bill,  orange  at  base,  the  tip,  black;  legs,  dull  flesh 
color;  a  black  stripe  from  bill  passing  under  each  eye. 

ALgialitis  semipalmata. 
Semipalmated  Plover. 

See  No.  137. 


Bill,  orange  at  base,  the  tip,  black;  legs,  orange  yellow;  two  middle 
tail  feathers,  tipped  with  white;  no  black  stripe  from  bill  to  eye;  more 
or  less  of  a  black  breast  band.  jEgialitis  meloda. 

Piping  Plover. 

See  No.  138. 


*  GROUP  2.     Wing,  4.50  to  5.50  inches  long;  toes,  three,  no 

hind  toe. 
SECTION   1.      Bill,  under  .60  inch  long. 

Bill,  orange  at  base,  the  tip,  black;  legs,  dull  flesh  color;  a  black 
stripe  from  bill  passing  under  eye.  ALgialitis  semipalmata. 

Semipalmated  Plover.     Ring  Neck. 

See  No.  137. 

Bill,  orange  at  base,  the  tip,  black;  legs,  orange  yellow;  no  black 
stripe  from  bill  to  eye;  black  breast  band,  not  confluent;  two  middle 
tail  feathers,  tipped  with  white.  Eastern  species  not  found  west  of 
Rocky  Mountains.  JEgialitis  meloda. 

Piping  Plover. 
See  No.  138. 

*  GROUP  3.     Wing,   5.50  to  6.75    inches    long;  toes,  three, 

no  hind  toe. 

Breast,  with  two  black  bands;  under  parts,  white;  rump  and 
tail  coverts,  orange  brown.  Oxyechus  vociferus. 

Killdeer  Plover. 
See  No.  136. 

*For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


*  GROUP  4.     Wing,  over  6.75  inches  long. 
SECTION  1.     Toes,  three. 


Black  axillars  of  Black-bellied  Plover. 


Gray  axillars  of  Golden  Plover. 


Axillars,   gray;    rump,   not  orange  brown. 
Charadrius  dominions. 
Golden  Plover. 
See  No.  135. 


Charadrius  dominicus. 


Axillars,  smoky  black;  rump  and  upper  tail  coverts,  not  orange 
brown.  Squatarola  squatarola. 

Black-bellied  Plover. 
See  No.  134. 

The  Black-bellied  Plover  has  four  toes  (the  hind  toe  being  so  small  that  it 
often  escapes  notice),  and  properly  belongs  in  Section  2,  but  owing  to  the  fact 
that  it  is  constantly  looked  for  among  the  three-toed  species  it  is  included  in 
both  sections. 

Rump,  orange  brown;  under  parts,  white,  with  two  black  bands 
on  the  breast;  axillars,  pure  white.  Oxyechus  vociferus. 

Killdeer  Plover. 
See  No.  136. 


SECTION  2.     Toes,  four. 

Axillars,  smoky  black;  tarsus,  over  1.70;   hind 
toe,  very  small.  Squatarola  squatarola. 

Black-bellied  Plover. 
See  No.  134. 

*  For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 


ii4     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Family    APHRIZID^. 

SURF  BIRDS  AND  TURNSTONES. 

Subfamily  ARENARIIN^.     Turnstones. 

Bill,  shorter  than  head  and  horny  at  tip;  toes, 
four;  lower  back  and  rump,  white,  with  black  band; 
legs,  comparatively  short  and  stout. 


Summer.  Turnstone.  Winter. 

Adult  in  summer:  General  upper  parts,  mottled  and  variegated 
with  black,  white,  rufous,  and  tawny;  throat  and  breast,  black  and 
white;  rest  of  under  parts,  white;  tail,  with  subterminal  band  of  black, 
tipped  with  white. 

Adult  in  winter:  Above,  light,  streaked  and  dashed  with  dark 
brown;  an  imperfect  band  of  dark  brown  on  the  jugulum;  chin  and 
upper  part  of  the  throat,  white;  sides  of  breast,  like  the  back;  rest 
of  under  parts,  white;  a  distinct  white  band  on  the  wing;  rump,  white, 
with  a  broad  patch  of  black  on  the  upper  tail  coverts;  tail,  dark 
brown,  the  tips  and  basal  half  of  the  inner  feathers,  and  nearly  two 
thirds  of  the  outer  feathers,  white;  legs,  reddish  orange;  bill,  black. 

Length,  8.65;  wing,  5.70;  tail,  2.60;  tarsus,  i;  bill,  .95. 

Arenaria  inter pres  morinella. 
Turnstone. 
See  No.  139. 


INDEX   TO   KEY  TO   FAMILIES. 
LAND    BIRDS. 

Group  i.     Birds   having    wings    less    than    1.75    inches   long.      See 

page  117. 
Group  2.     Birds  having  wings  from  1.75  to  2.75  inches   long.     See 

page  117. 
Section  i.      First   primary   less   than   half  as  long   as   third.      See 

page  117. 
Part  i.     Tip   of  upper  mandible   with   small   but   distinct    hook 

or  notch.     See  page  117. 
Part  2.     Upper  mandible   without   notch   or   hook  at   tip.      See 

page  1 1 8. 
Section  2.     First   primary   more  than  half   as   long  as  third.     See 

page  119. 
Part  i.     Tip  of  upper  mandible  with  small  but  distinct  hook  or 

notch.     See  page  119. 
Part  2.     Tip   of  upper  mandible,   not   notched  or  hooked.     See 

page  120. 
Group  3.     Birds   having  wings  measuring  from  2.75  to  3.25  inches 

long.     See  page  121. 
Section  i.     First   primary   less  than   half  as   long   as   third.      See 

page  121. 
Part  i.     A   small   but  distinct   hook   or   notch   at   tip    of   upper 

mandible.     See  page  121. 
Part  2.     Tip    of  upper   mandible  not  notched    or    hooked.      See 

page  121. 
Section  2.     First  primary  not  short,  always  more  than  half  as  long 

as  third.     See  page  122. 
Part  i.     Tip  of  upper  mandible  with  small  but  distinct  hook  or 

notch.     See  page  122.  »•- 

Part  2.     Tip   of  upper  mandible  not  notched  or    hooked.      See 

page  122. 
Group  4.     Birds  having  wings  measuring  from  3.25  to  9.50  inches 

long.     See  page  124. 

Section  i.     Bill   with   strong   hook,    toes   armed   with    talons.     See 
page  124. 


n6     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Section  2.     Upper    mandible    with    more  or    less    hook,    but    toes 

not  armed  with  talons.     See  page  125. 
Section  3.     Tip   of  upper  mandible   not   notched   or   hooked.     See 

page  126. 

Part  i.     First   primary   less   than    half   as   long   as   third,    some- 
times very  small.     See  page  126. 
Part  2.     First   primary   more   than    half  as   long    as   third.     See 

page  128. 
Group  5.     Birds  having  wings  over  9.50  inches  long.     See  page  133. 


LAND  BIRDS. 

KEY    TO    FAMILIES. 


*  GROUP  1.      Birds  having  wings  less  than  1.75  inches  long. 


Smallest  of  our  birds;    bill,  very  slender;    primaries,  10;    rectices, 
10 ;   feet,  very  small  and  weak. 

Family  TROCHILID^E.     Humming  Birds. 

See  page  169. 

-  Tail,  rounded;  the  outer  feathers,  shorter 

~"^H»      than  middle  ones;  first  primary,  less  than 

two  thirds  as  long  as  third;  second  primary, 

much  shorter  than  third;   tarsus,  scutellate. 

Family  TROGLODYTID^E.     Wrens. 
See  page  262. 


*  GROUP  2.      Birds  having  wings  from  1.75  to  2.75 

inches  long. 

SECTION   1.      First  primary,  less  than  half  as  long  as  third. 
PART   1.      Tip  of  upper  mandible,  with  small  but  distinct  hook  or  notch. 

Toes,  joined  at  base.  Plain  colored  birds,  usually  greenish  or 
grayish,  but  often  show  a  faint  wash  of  yellow  on  under  parts;  tail, 
always  without  white  spots. 


Family  VIREONID^E.     Vireos. 

See  page  227. 

*For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 
117 


n8     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 
PART  2.      Upper  mandible  without  notch  or  hook  at  tip. 


Bill,  as  illustrated;  back,  gray  or 
bluish  gray;  bill,  over  .50;  nostrils,  con- 
cealed by  bristly  tufts ;  tarsus,  scutellate ; 
tail  feathers,,  not  stiff  or  pointed. 

Family  SITTID^.     Nuthatches. 
See  page  267. 


Bill,  as  illustrated;  back,  bluish  gray;  bill, 
less  than  .50;  size,  small;  length,  less  than 
5.50;  first  primary,  very  short. 

Family  SYLVIID^). 

Subfamily  POLIOPTILIN^E.     Gnatcatchers. 
See  page  270. 


Bill,  as  illustrated;  throat,  black ;  nostrils, 
concealed  by  tufts  of  bristly  feathers. 

Family  PARID^.     Titmice,  Chickadees. 
See  page  268. 


Bill,  as  illustrated;  back,  brown  or  brown  streaked;  tail  feathers, 
not  sharp  pointed;  outer  tail  feathers,  shortest;  tarsus,  scutellate; 
first  primary,  short. 


Bill  of  Wren. 


Family  TROGLODYTID^.    Wrens. 

See  page  262. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


119 


Bill,  as  illustrated;  back, 
streaked;  tail  feathers,  stiffened 
and  sharply  pointed. 


Creeper. 

Family  CERTHIID^.     Creepers. 

See  page  266. 


Bill,    as   illustrated;    back,    olive    green; 
bill,  less  than  .50  inch  long.     Two  species: 
both  males  and  one  of  the  females  have  bril- 
liant red  or  yellow  crown  patch;  the  other 
female  has  crown,  dull  green,  like  back. 

Family  SYLVIID^E.     Subfamily  REGULIN^E.     Kinglets. 

See  page  269. 


SECTION  2.      First  primary,  more  than  half  as  long  as    third. 
PART  1.     Tip  of  upper  mandible,  with  small  but  distinct  hook  or  notch. 

Bill,  flattened,  wide  at  base;  tip,  with  small  hook;  numerous  black 
bristles  at  base  of  bill;  back  of  tarsus,  rounded;  wings,  longer  than 
tail;  first  primary,  never  very  short. 


Top  of  bill.     Side  of  bill. 
Flycatcher., 


Flycatcher. 


Family  TYRANNID^).     Flycatchers. 

See  page  170. 


Bill  of  Vireo. 


120     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Bill,  very  slightly  hooked,  not  wide  and  flat  at  base,  as  in  the 
Flycatchers;  toes,  joined  together  at  base.  Plain  colored  birds,  usu- 
ally greenish  or  grayish,  but  often  show  a  faint  wash  of  yellow  on 
under  parts;  tail,  always  without  white  spots;  first  primary,  variable, 
very  short  in  some  species;  in  others  nearly  as  long  as  second. 

Family  VIREONID^E.     Vireos. 
See  page  227. 

PART  2.      Tip  of  upper  mandible,  not  notched  or  hooked. 

First  primary,  not  short,  never  less  than  two  thirds  as  long  as 
second  or  third;  bill,  stout  and  conical;  nostrils,  high  near  the  cul- 
men;  primaries,  9;  tarsus,  flattened  behind. 


Top.lof  bill. 


Family  FRINGILLID^. 


Sparrows,  Finches,  Buntings,  etc. 

See  page  190. 


First  primary,  not  short,  never  less  than 
two  thirds  as  long  as  third,  and  often  nearly 
the  same  length;  bill,  slender  and  pointed; 
back  of  tarsus,  thin  and  sharp,  not  rounded 
as  in  front;  hind  toe  and  claw,  not  longer 
than  middle  toe  and  claw. 


Family  MNIOTILTID^.     Warblers. 

See  page  231. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  121 


*  GROUP   3.      Birds  having  wings  measuring  from  2.75  to  3.25 
inches  long. 

SECTION   1.     First  primary  less  than  half  as  long  as  third. 
PART    1.      A  small  but  distinct  hook  or  notch  at  tip  of  upper  mandible. 


Bill,  very  slightly  hooked;  primaries  10,  the  first  often  very  short; 
toes,  joined  together  at  base.  Plain  colored  birds,  usually  greenish  or 
grayish,  but  often  show  a  faint  wash  of  yellow  on  underparts;  tail, 
always  without  white  spots.  Family  VIREONID^C.  Vireos. 

See  page  227. 

PART  2.      Tip  of  upper  mandible,   not  notched  or  hooked. 

Bill,  as  illustrated ;  back,  brown ; 
rump,  with  concealed  white  spots; 
outer  tail  feathers,  shortest;  tarsus, 
scutellate. 

Family  TROGLODYTID^.  Wrens. 
See  page  262. 


Bill,  as  illustrated;  back,  gray  or 
bluish  gray;  nostrils,  concealed  by  tufts 
of  bristly  feathers. 

Family  SITTID^.     Nuthatches. 
See  page  267. 


!For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 


122     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Bill,  as  illustrated;  throat,  black;  crown, 
black  and  no  rufous  brown  on  sides  (Chick- 
adee),  or  forehead,  black;  sides,  with  rufous 
brown  (Titmouse). 

Family  PARID^E. 
Titmice  and  Chickadees. 
See  page  268. 


SECTION  2.     First    primary,  not    short,  always    more    than    half  as 

long  as  third. 
PART   1.      Tip  of  upper  mandible,   with  small  but  distinct  hook  or  notch. 


Bill,  flattened  and  wide 
at  base;  numerous  black 
bristles  at  base  of  bill; 
back  of  tarsus,  rounded; 
wing,  longer  than  tail. 

Family  TYRANNID^E.     Flycatchers. 
See  page  170. 


Top  of  bill. 


Side  of  bill. 


Bill,  very  slightly  hooked  or  notched  at  tip;  not  flattened  at  base, 
as  in  the  Flycatchers;  toes,  joined  at  base.  Plain  colored  birds, 
usually  greenish  or  grayish,  at  times,  with  wash  of  yellow  on  under 
parts;  no  white  on  tail.  Family  VIREONID^.  Vireos. 

See  page  227. 


PART  2. 


Tip  of  upper  mandible  not  notched  or  hooked. 

T.oes,  4;  nostrils,  opening 
into  a  soft,  fleshy  membrane; 
tarsus,  usually  shorter  than 
toes. 

Family  COLUMBID^E. 

Pigeons  and  Doves. 
See  page  139. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 

Bill,  pointed;  first  primary,  not  short; 
base  of  bill,  extending  upon  and  dividing  the 
feathers  of  the  forehead;  nostrils,  exposed; 
outer  tail  feathers,  shorter  than  middle 
feathers.  Family  ICTERID^.  Orioles. 

See  page  179. 


123 


Oriole. 


First  primary,  not  short,  never  less  than  two  thirds  as  long  as 
second  or  third;  bill,  stout  and  conical;    nostrils,  near  the  culmen; 
primaries,  9;   tarsus,  flattened  behind. 
Family  FRINGILLID^.    Sparrows,  Finches,  Crossbills,  and  Buntings. 

See  page  190. 


First  primary,  never  less  than  two  thirds 
as  long  as  third,  and  often  nearly  the  same 
length;  bill,  slender  and  pointed;  back  of 

tarsus,  thin  and  sharp,  not  rounded,  as  in  front;  hind  toe  and  claw, 
not  longer  than  middle  toe  and  claw. 

Family  MNIOTILTID^E.   Warblers. 
See  page  231. 


Bill,  slender;  first  primary,  not  short,  the  first,  second  and  third 
being  about  equal  in  length;  hind  toe  and  claw,  longer  than  middle 
toe  and  claw;  hind  toe  nail,  long,  in  this  somewhat  resembling  Larks, 


124     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

but  no  tufts  of   hair-like   feathers  over  nostrils.      Usually  observed 
in  small  flocks  on  the  ground  in  open  places. 

Family  MOTACILLID^E.     Wagtails,  Pipits,  Titlarks,  etc. 

See  page  261. 


*  GROUP  4.      Birds  having  wings  from  3.25  to  9.50  inches  long. 
SECTION   1.      Bill,  with  strong  hook;  toes  armed  with  talons. 


Eyes,  not  surrounded  by  radial  disk  of  feathers,  as  in  the  Owls; 
toes,  armed  with  talons;  head,  not  bare. 

Family  FALCONID^.     Hawks,  Falcons,  Eagles,  etc. 

See  page  143. 

Eyes,  surrounded  by  radiated  disk  of  feathers;    plumage,  soft; 
bill,  hooked;    toes,  armed  with  talons. 


Family  STRIGID^.     Horned  Owls,  Hoot  Owls. 

See  page  155. 

'For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


125 


SECTION  2.      Upper  mandible,  with  distinct  notch  and  hook  at  tip, 
but  feet,  not  armed  with  talons. 


Toes,  four,  zygodactyle    (two  in  front,  two  behind);    bill,  with 
cere    (skin-like  covering  over  base  of  bill). 

Family  PSITTACID^.     Parrots  and  Paroquets. 
See  page  160. 


Bill,  strong,  notched  near  the  end,  and  decidedly 

hooked;  tarsus,  scutellate;  tail,   rounded.     But  two 

species  occur  with  us,  both  grayish  birds  with  blackish 

wings  and  tail,  and  a  dark  stripe  through  the    eye. 

Family  LANIID^E.     Shrikes. 

See  page  226. 


Bill,  flattened  and  wide  at  base;  tip,  with  small  hook;  numerous 
black  bristles  at  base  of  bill;  back  of  tarsus,  rounded;  wings,  longer 
than  tail;  first  primary,  not  very  short,  usually  longer  than  the  sixth. 


Family  TYRANNID^.     Flycatchers. 
See  page  170. 


ia6     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

SECTION  3-      Upper  mandible,  not  notched  and  hooked  at  tip. 
PART   1.      First  primary,  less  than  one-half  as  long  as  third. 


Toes,  four,  two  in  front  and  two  behind;  or  toes,  three,  two  in 
front  and  one  behind;  tail  feathers,  stiff  and  pointed.  (If  tail 
feathers  are  not  stiff  and  pointed,  see  Nuthatches,  next  family. ) 

Order  PICI.     Woodpeckers.    Family    PICID^E.     Woodpeckers. 

See  page  163. 


Bill,  as  illustrated;  nostrils,  con- 
cealed by  bristly  tufts;  tarsus,  scutel- 
late;  first  primary,  very  short;  tail 
feathers,  not  stiff  and  pointed.  (If  tail 
feathers  are  stiff  and  pointed,  look  for 
the  bird  under  Family  Picidae. ) 

Family  SITTID^E.     Nuthatches. 
See  page  267. 


Bill,  as  illustrated;  nostrils,  concealed  by 
bristly  tufts  of  hair-like  feathers;  first  primary, 
short;  forehead,  black;  back,  gray;  head,  with 
more  or  less  crest;  sides  of  body,  washed  with 
brown  (Tufted  Titmouse). 

Family  PARID^E.     Chickadees  and  Titmice. 
See  page  268. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


127 


First  primary,  about  one- 
half  as  long  as  third,  feet, 
zygodactyle  (toes,  two  in  front, 
two  behind ) ;  outer  tail 
feathers,  very  much  shorter 
than  middle  feathers. 
Family  CUCULID^.  Cuckoos. 
See  page  161. 


Bill,  stout  and  strong;  the  nostrils  con- 
cealed by  coarse  hair-like  feathers;  outer 
tail  feathers,  shorter  than  middle  feathers; 
first  primary,  decidedly  less  than  half  as 
long  as  third;  tail,  over  seven  inches  long 
(Magpies ) ;  first  primary,  about  half  as 
long  as  third;  tail,  less  than  seven  inches 
long  (Jays). 

Family     CORVID^E.        Subfamily 
GARRULINjE.     Magpies  and  Jays. 
See  page  176. 


Tail,  rounded;  the  outer  feathers,  shorter  than  middle  ones;  first 
primary,  less  than  two-thirds  as  long  as  third;  second  primary,  much 
shorter  than  third ;  tarsus,  scutellate. 


Family  MIMID^.     Thrashers,  Mocking-birds,  Cat-birds,  etc. 

See  page  265. 


First  primary,  very  short ;  tarsus,  booted  (no  scales  showing,  except 
near  the  toes) ;    bill,  shorter  than  head;  wing,  over  3.50  inches  long. 


128     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Family  TURDID^E.     Thrushes,  Robins,  Bluebirds. 

See  page  271. 

PART  2.      First  primary,  more  than  half  as  long  as  third. 


• 


Toes,  four,  hind  toe  not  elevated  above  the  rest ;   nostril,  opening 
into  a  soft  fleshy  membrane;    tarsus,  usually  shorter  than  the  toes. 
Family  COLUMBID^E.     Pigeons  and  Doves. 
See  page  139. 

Toes,  four,  the  hind  toe  elevated  above  the  rest;  bill,  rather  short 
and  stout;  wing,  short  and  somewhat  rounded,  the  outer  primaries 
curved. 


Family  TETRAONID^.     Grouse  and  Quail. 

(a)     Tarsus,  feathered;   wing,  over  5.50  inches  long. 

Subfamily  TETRAONIN^.     Grouse. 
See  page  136. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


129 


(6)     Tarsus,  bare;  wing,  less  than  5.50  inches  long. 

Subfamily  PERDICIN^.     Quail.     Partridges. 

See  page  136. 

Feet,  small  and  weak;  front  toes,  sometimes  webbed  at  base; 
primaries,  ten;  mouth,  large;  bill,  very  small  in  comparison  with 
size  of  bird;  middle  toe  nail,  with  comb-like  edge. 


Family  CAPRIMULGID^). 


Whip-poor-wills,  Nighthawks,  etc. 
See  page  168. 


Bill,  small,  flattened,  and  somewhat  triangular  in  shape,  the  gape 
very  wide;    wings,   very  long,   usually   extending   beyond   the   tail. 

(Chimney  Swifts,  which  belong  to  a 
very  different  family,  are  often  mis- 
taken for  Swallows  when  seen  flying 
about ;  they  are  smoky  black  and  the 
f  -=fS^  shafts  of  the  tail  feathers  extend  in 

spines  beyond    the   webs.     See  next 
Family. ) 


Swallow. 


Swallow. 


Swallow. 


Family  HIRUNDINIDjE. 


Swallows  and  Martins. 

See  page  222. 


Plumage,  smoky  black;  shafts  of  tail  feathers,  extending  beyond 
the  web  in  sharp  spines.  Sometimes  mistaken  for  Swallows  by  per- 
sons unfamiliar  with  birds. 


130     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Family  MICROPODID^E.     Swifts. 
See  page  169. 

First  primary,  about  half  as  long  as  third ; 
feet,  zygodactyle  (toes,  two  in  front,  two  be- 
hind) ;  outer  tail  feathers,  very  much  shorter 
than  middle  feathers. 

Family  CUCULID^E.     Cuckoos. 
See  page  161. 

Feet,  syndactyle;   toes,  four,  the  middle  and  outer  ones  joined, 
being  fastened  together  for  more  than  half  their  length. 


Family  ALCEDINID^.     Kingfishers. 

See  page  162. 

First  primary,  much  shorter  than  second,  always  less  than  three- 
fourths  as  long  as  third;  fourth,  or  fifth  primary,  longest;  bill,  stout 
and  strong;  the  nostrils,  concealed  by  coarse,  hair-like  feathers; 
outer  tail  feathers,  shorter  than  middle  feathers. 


f 


Family  CORVIDvE. 


Subfamily  GARRULIN^).     Jays. 

See  page  176. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


First  primary,  never  less  than  three-fourths  as  long  as  third ;  base 
of  bill,  extending  backward,  forming  a  point,  dividing  the  feathers 
of  the  forehead;  nostrils,  exposed;  outer  tail  feathers,  shorter  than 
middle  feathers. 


Family  ICTERID./E.     Blackbirds,  Orioles,    Meadowlarks. 

See  page  179. 

First  primary,  not  short,  never  less  than  two-thirds  as  long  as  sec- 
ond or  third;  bill,  stout,  and  conical;  nostrils,  high,  near  the  cul- 
men;  primaries,  nine;  tarsus,  flattened  behind. 


Family  FRINGILLID^.     Sparrows,  Finches,  Crossbills,  Buntings,  etc. 

See  page  190. 


132     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Bill,  somewhat  fringilline,  but  having  a  small 
"  tooth, "near  the  middle  of  the  edge  of  upper  mandible ; 
primaries,  nine;  tarsus,  scutellate.  But  two  species  (a 
third  accidental):  Males,  bright  red,  one  with  black 
wings;  one  female  is  olive  green  above,  and  yellowish 
green  below;  the  other  is  olive  green  above,  and  the  under  parts, 
dull  orange  yellow  or  buff  yellow.  (If  bird  does  not  agree  with 
above  description,  see  Fringillidae.) 

Family  TANGARID^E.     Tanagers. 
See  page*  2  20. 

Bill,  without  notch;  head,  with  crest;  pri- 
maries, ten;  tarsus,  shorter  than  middle  toe  and 
claw;  a  black  stripe  from  forehead  through  the 
eye;  inner  primaries  and  tail  feathers,  often  tipped 
with  little  hard  red  bits,  like  minute  drops  of  seal- 
ing wax;  general  plumage,  vinaceous  gray  brown; 
tail,  tipped  with  yellow. 

Family  BOMBYCILLID^E.     Waxwings,  Cedar  Birds. 

See  page  225. 


Bill,  pointed,  and  somewhat  rounded; 
back  of  tarsus,  rounded;  hind  toe  nail, 
elongated,  equal  or  longer  than  the  toe; 
nostrils,  nearly  or  quite  concealed  by  tufts 
of  hair-like  feathers;  wing,  over  4  inches 
long.  Family  ALAUDID^.  Larks. 

See  page  175. 


-X: 


Bill,  slender;  first  primary,  not  short,  the  first,  second,  and 
third,  being  about  equal  in  length;  hind  toe  nail,  long,  in  this 
somewhat  resembling  the  larks,  but  no  tufts  of  hair-like  feathers  over 
nostrils ;  wing,  less  than  4  inches  long. 

Family  MOTACILLID^E.     Wagtails,  Pipits,  Titlarks,  etc. 

See  page  261. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  .  133 

Small  birds,  wing,  less  than  3.75  inches  long;  first  primary,  not 
short,  never  less  than  two-thirds  as  long  as  third,  and  often  nearly 
the  same  length;  bill,  slender  and  pointed;  back  of  tarsus,  thin  and 
sharp,  not  rounded  as  in  front;  hind  toe  and  claw,  not  longer  than 
middle  toe  and  claw. 


Family  MNIOTILTID^E.     Warblers. 

See  page  231. 


*  GROUP  5.      Birds  having  wings  over  9.50  inches  long. 
Wing,  less  than  12  inches  long;  toes,  four;  hind  toe,  elevated  above 


the   rest;    bill,   stout; 
body  feathers,  double. 


wing,    rounded,   the  outer  primaries  curved, 
Family  TETRAONID^E.     Grouse. 

See  page  136. 


Turkey. 


Wing,  over  12  inches  long;  toes,  four,  the  hind  toe  elevated  above 
the  rest;  bill,  rather  short  and  stout;  wing,  short  and  somewhat 
rounded,  the  outer  primaries  curved. 

Family  PHASIANID^E.     Subfamily  MELEAGRINJE.     Turkeys. 

See  page  139. 


:  Foi  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 


134     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Size,  large;  eyes,  not  surrounded  by  radiated  disk  of  feathers; 
plumage,  black  or  dark  brown;  hind  toe,  short;  claws,  not  sharp; 
head,  bare  in  adult.  Family  CATHARTID^.  Vultures. 

See  page  141. 


Eyes,  not  surrounded  by  radiated  disk  of  feathers,  as  in  the  Owls; 
toes,  armed  with  talons;    head,  not  bare. 

Family  FALCONID^.     Hawks,  Falcons,  Eagles,  etc. 

See  page  143. 


Eyes,  surrounded  by 
radiated  disk  of  feathers; 
plumage,  soft;  bill,  hooked; 
toes,  armed  with  talons. 


(a)     Middle  toe  nail  with  comb-like  edge. 

FAMILY  ALUCONID^).     Barn  Owls. 

See  page  157. 

(b  )     Middle  toe  nail  without  comb-like  edge. 

Family  STRIGIDJE.    Horned  Owls,  Hoot  Owls. 

See  page  1 5 5. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


'35 


Toes,   four,  two   in   front  and  two   behind 
(zygodactyle) ;    tail  feathers,  stiff  and  pointed. 

Family  PICID^E.     Woodpeckers. 

See  page  163. 


Plumage,  glossy  black;  first  primary,  much 
shorter  than  second,  not  exceeding  half  as  long 
as  third;  fourth,  or  fifth  primary,  longest;  bill, 
stout  and  strong;  the  nostrils,  concealed  by 
coarse,  hair-like  feathers;  outer  tail  feathers, 
shorter  than  middle  feathers. 

Family  CORVID^E.     Crows  and  Ravens. 
See  page  178. 


LAND  BIRDS. 

KEY  TO   THE   SPECIES. 


Family  TETRAONID^.     Grouse,  Partridges, 
Quails,   etc. 

Toes,  four,  the  hind  toe  elevated  above  the  rest;  bill,  rather  short 
and  stout;  wing,  short  and  somewhat  rounded,  the  outer  primaries 
curved;  wing,  less  than  12  inches  long;  body  feathers,  double.  In 
Eastern  North  America  divided  into  two  subfamilies,  which  may  be 
recognized  as  follows: 

(a)  Tarsus,  not  feathered;  wing,  less  than  6  inches  long  (carpus 
to  tip).  Subfamily  PERDICINjE.  "Quail"  and  Partridges. 

(6)  Tarsus,  more  or  less  feathered;  wing,  more  than  6,  but  less 
than  12  inches  long. 

Subfamily  TETRAONIN^E.     Grouse,  Ptarmigan,*etc. 

GROUP  1.      Wing,  less  than  5  inches  long. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  137 

Under  parts,  white,  black,  and   rufous;    throat,  white    (male); 
throat,  buff  brown    (female).  Colinus  virginianus,  and  races. 

Quail.     Bob-white. 

See  No.  140. 


*  GROUP  2.      Wing,  more  than   5  inches  long. 

SECTION   1.      The  following  species  do  not  have  the  greater  portion 
of  the   primaries   white  : — 


Ruffed  Grouse. 

A  tuft  of  black  feathers  on  sides  of  the  neck;  tarsus,  not  entirely 
feathered;  axillary  plumes,  white,  barred  with  brown. 

Bonasa  umbellus,  and  races. 

Ruffed  Grouse.     "Partridge." 

See  Nos.  142,  i42a. 

Tarsus,  entirely  feathered;    axillary  plumes,  entirely  white;    no 

elongated  tufts  of  feathers  on  sides  of  neck;   tail,  pointed. 

Pedicecetes  phasianellus  campestris. 
Prairie  Sharp-tailed  Grouse. 
See  No.  14$. 

Tarsus,  entirely  feathered;  axillary  plumes,  white;  sometimes 
with  faint  bars  near  tip ;  a  tuft  of  ten  or  more  elongated  feathers  on 
each  side  of  the  neck;  tail,  not  pointed.  Tympanuchus  americanus. 

Prairie  Hen.     Pinnated  Grouse. 
See  No.  144. 

*  For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  ai. 


138     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Canada  Grouse  (Male). 

Tarsus,  entirely  feathered ;  axillary  plumes,  smoky  gray,  with 
white  shafts,  and  tipped  with  white;  the  male  has  the  breast  black; 
the  female  has  the  breast  tawny  brown,  black,  and  white. 

Canachites  canadensis. 
Canada  Grouse.     Spruce  Partridge. 
See  No.  141. 


SECTION  2.     The  following  species  have  the  greater  portion  of  the 
primaries   white  : — 


Willow  Ptarmigan. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  139 

Winter  plumage,  mostly  white;  no  black  on  lores  or  shafts  of 
secondaries;  summer  plumage,  a  mixture  of  black,  rufous,  tawny, 
and  buffy  white;  depth  of  bill,  at  base  .40  or  more. 

L  ago  pus  lagopus. 
Willow  Ptarmigan. 
See  No.  143. 


Family    PHASIANID^.      Pheasants, 
Turkeys,     etc. 

Subfamily   MELEAGRIN^.     Turkeys. 

Toes,  four,  the  hind  toe  elevated  above  the  rest;  bill,  rather  short 
and  stout;  wing,  short  and  somewhat  rounded,  the  outer  primaries 
curved;  wing,  more  than  12  inches  long. 

Resembles  domestic  Turkey,  but  legs  usually  pink  red;  primaries, 
broadly  barred  with  white;  upper  tail  coverts  and  tail,  tipped  with 
chestnut  brown.  Meleagris  gallopavo  silvestris. 

Wild  Turkey. 
See  No.  146. 


Family    COLUMBID^E.     Pigeons  and  Doves. 

Toes,  four,  hind  toe  not  elevated  above  the  rest;  nostril,  opening 
into  a  soft  fleshy  membrane;  tarsus,  usually  shorter  than  the  toes; 
wings,  rather  long  and  flat. 


GROUP  1.     Wing,  less  than  6.50  inches  long. 
SECTION   1.      Primaries,  dark  slaty  brown  or  blackish. 

Upper  parts,  grayish  olive;  rump,  grayish  olive;  crown,  tinged 
with  slate  color;  sides  of  neck,  with  purplish  metallic  reflections;  a 
bluish  black  spot  on  lower  edge  of  ear  coverts ;  tail,  pointed ;  middle 
tail  feathers,  much  longer  than  outer  feathers;  length,  less  than  13 
inches.  Zenaidura  macroura  carolinensis . 

Mourning  Dove. 
See  No.  148. 


140     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Mourning  Dovt 


*  GROUP  2.      Wing,  over  6.50  inches  long. 


Passenger  Pigeon. 

Decidedly  larger  than  the  Mourning  Dove;  length,  over  14  inches; 
wing,  over  7  inches;  most  of  back  and  rump,  bluish  slate  color;  tail, 
pointed  and  rather  long;  under  tail  coverts,  white;  under  parts 
vinaceous,  shading  into  white  on  the  lower  belly  (male).  Female, 
similar,  but  duller;  breast,  pale  grayish  brown;  immature  birds  have 
the  primaries  marked  with  rufous.  Rctopistes  migratorius. 

Passenger  Pigeon. 
See  No.  147. 

*For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  141 


Family    CATHARTID^.      American 
Vultures. 

Size,  large;  plumage,  black  or  dark  brown;  hind  toe,  short;  claws, 
not  sharp;   head,  bare  in  adult;   nostrils,  large. 


GROUP  1.      Wing,  from  14  to  21  inches  long. 
SECTION   1.      Wing,  less  than  17  inches  long. 


Black  Vulture. 


Head  and  fore-neck,  bare;  skin  of  head,  blackish;  general  plumage, 
black;  primaries,  hoary  white  beneath.  Catharista  urubu. 

Black  Vulture.     Carrion  Crow, 
See  No.  150. 


142     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 
SECTION  2.     Wing,  over  17  inches  long. 


Turkey  Vulture. 

Head  and  fore-neck,  bare;  skin  of  head,  red;  general  plumage, 
brownish  black  or  dark  brown;  bill,  whitish;  immature  birds  have 
the  head  feathered.  Cathartes  aura  septentrionalis. 

Turkey  Vulture.     Turkey  Buzzard. 

See  No.  149. 


INDEX  TO   KEY. 

Family     FALCONID^.        Hawks,    Falcons, 
Eagles,  Kites,  etc. 

GROUP  i.     Wing,  less  than  8.50  inches  long.     See  page  145. 
GROUP  2.     Wing,  8.50  to  9.50  inches  long.     See  page  146. 
GROUP  3.     Wing,  9.50  to  13  inches  long.     See  page  147. 

Section  i .     Species  having  second  primary  longest.     See  page  147. 
Section  2.     Species  having  third  primary  longest.     See  page  147. 
Section  3.     Species  having  fourth  primary  longest.     See  page  147. 
GROUP  4.     Wing,  13  to  15  inches  long.     See  page  148. 

Section  i.     Second  primary,  longest;     first  and  second  primaries,   emar- 

ginate  or  notched.     See  page  148. 

Section  2.     Third  primary,  longest;   face,  bare.     See  page  149. 
Section  3.     Fourth  primary,  longest;    upper  tail  coverts,  white.     See  page 

149. 
Section  4.     Fourth  primary,  longest;    upper  tail  coverts,  not  white.     See 

page  149. 
GROUP  5.     Wing,  15  to  17  inches  long.     See  page  150. 

Section   i.     Second  primary,  longest;    only  first  primary,  notched.     See 

page  150. 
Section  2.     Second  primary,  longest;  first  and  second  primary,  notched. 

See  page  151. 

Section  3.     Third  primary,  longest.     See  page  151. 
Section  4.     Fourth  primary,  longest;   four  or  five  outer  primaries,  notched; 

upper  tail  coverts,  white.     See  page  152. 
Section  5.     Fourth  primary  longest;   four  or  five  outer  primaries,  notched; 

upper  tail  coverts,  not  white;    tarsus,  partly  feathered.     See  page  15 2. 
Section  6.     Fourth  primary,  longest;  four  or  five  outer  primaries,  notched; 

tarsus,  entirely  feathered.     See  page  152. 
Section  7.     Fourth  primary,  longest;   three  outer  primaries,  notched.      See 

page  153. 
GROUP  6.     Wing,  17  to  21  inches  long.     See  page  153. 

Section  i.     Third  primary,  longest;  tarsus,  wholly  feathered.      See  page 

Section  2.     Third  primary  longest;   tarsus,  not  wholly  feathered.     Seepage 

'    153- 
Section  3.     Fourth  primary,  longest;    tarsus,  partly  feathered.     See  page 

Section  4.     Fourth  primary,  longest;  tarsus,  entirely  feathered.     See  page 

154. 
GROUP  7.     Wing,  over  21  inches  long.     See  page  155. 

143 


First  primary,  emarginate  or 'notched. 
Duck  Hawk,  etc. 


First  two  primaries,  emarginate. 
Swallow- tailed  Kite,  etc. 


First  three  primaries,  emarginate. 
Swainson's  Hawk,  etc. 


F  irst  four  primaries,  emarginate. 
Rough-legged  Hawk,  etc. 


First  five  primaries,  emarginate. 
Bald  Eagle,  etc. 

Types  of  emarginate  or     "notched"  primaries. 


Family     FALCONID^E.        Hawks,     Falcons, 
Eagles,  Kites,  etc. 

Toes,  four,  three  in  front,  one  behind ;  toes,  with  strong,  curved 
talons  or  claws;  bill,  with  cere  (hard  skin-like  covering  at  the  base 
of  upper  mandible  through  which  the  nostrils  open);  bill,  hooked. 

*  GROUP  1.     Wing,  less  than  8.50  inches  long. 


Male. 

Rump  and  upper  tail  coverts,  rufous  brown;  tail,  more  or  less 
marked  with  rufous  brown;  tarsus,  less  than  1.50;  second  primary, 
longest.  Falco  sparvsrius. 

American  Sparrow  Hawk. 
See  No.  171. 

Rump  and  upper  tail  coverts,  slaty  brown;  tarsus,  over  1.50; 
fourth  primary,  longest.  Accipiter  velox. 

Sharp-shinned  Hawk. 
See  No.  155. 

*  For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 

H5 


146     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Rump  and  upper  tail  coverts,  dark  brown;  breast,  streaked  with 
dark  brown;  no  rufous  brown  on  tail;  second  primary,  longest 
(immature);  back  and  rump,  slate  color  (adult). 

Falco  columbarius,  and   races. 
Pigeon  Hawk. 
See  Nos.  170,  iyoa. 


GROUP  2.     Wing,  8.50  to  9.50  inches  long. 

Second  primary,    longest.  Falco  columbarius,  and  races. 

Pigeon  Hawk. 
See  Nos.  170,  i7oa. 

Fourth  primary,  longest;  outer  tail  feather,  three-quarters  inch 
or  more  shorter  than  middle  feather;  tail,  usually  more  than  7.25 
long.  Accipiter  cooperii. 

Cooper's  Hawk. 
See  No.  156. 


Sharp-shinned  Hawk. 

Fourth  primary,  longest;  outer  tail  feather,  less  than  three-quar- 
ter inch  shorter  than  middle  feather;  tail,  usually  less  than  7.25  long. 

Accipiter  velox. 
Sharp-shinned  Hawk. 
See  No.  155. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  147 

GROUP  3.     Wing,  9.50  to   13  inches  long. 
SECTION  1.    The  following  species  have  the  second  primary  longest : — 

Upper  parts,  ash  gray;  head,  nearly  white;  shoulder,  black;  iris, 
red ;  upper  surface  of  inner  web  of  first  primary,  without  bars ;  breast 
and  belly,  white.  Elanus  leucurus. 

White-tailed  Kite. 
See  No.  152. 

Upper  surface  of  inner  web  of  first  primary,  barred  with  white; 
breast  and  belly,  streaked.  Falco  mexicanus. 

Prairie  Falcon. 
See  No.  168. 

Upper  surface  of  inner  web  of  first  primary,  barred  with  pale 
rufous  brown ;  breast  and  belly,  streaked.  Falco  peregrinus  anatum. 

Duck  Hawk.     Peregrine  Falcon. 
See  No.  169. 

SECTION  2.     The  following  species  have  the  third  primary  longest: — 

Belly,  slaty  gray  (adult),  or  buffy  streaked  more  or  less  with  pale 
brown  (immature ) ;  upper  tail  coverts,  not  white ;  no  white  band  on 
tail.  Ictinia  mississippiensis . 

Mississippi  Kite. 
See  No.  153. 

Third  and  fourth  primaries,  about  equal  length;  upper  plumage, 
slaty  gray ;  tail,  black,  banded  with  white  (adult ) ;  wing,  always 
less  than  12  inches  long.  Asturina  plagiata. 

Mexican  Goshawk. 
See  No.  162. 

Third  and  fourth  primaries,  about  equal  length;  upper  plumage, 
dark  brown;  tail,  grayish  brown,  banded  with  black  (immature); 
wing,  always  less  than  12  inches  long.  Asturina  plagiata. 

Mexican  Goshawk. 
See  No.  162.^ 

SECTION  3.      The  following  species  have  the  fourth  primary  longest : — 

Upper  tail  coverts,  white;  wing,  less  than  12  inches  long;  tail, 
less  than  8.25;  a  Mexican  species;  accidental  in  Illinois  (only  one 
record).  Asturina  plagiata. 

Mexican  Goshawk. 
See  No.  162. 


148     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Upper  tail  coverts,  white;  tarsus,  over  2.25;  wing,  over  12  inches 
long;  third  and  fourth  primary,  nearly  the  same  length;  a  common 
species  in  Illinois.  Circus  hudsonius. 

Marsh  Hawk. 
See  No.  154. 

Fourth  outer  primary,  not  decidedly  notched;  no  white  on  upper 
surface  of  outer  webs  of  primaries;  under  surface  of  primaries,  not 
strongly  barred  with  dark  brown  and  white ;  tail,  less  than  9.50;  upper 
tail  coverts,  not  white.  Buteo  platypterus. 

Broad-winged  Hawk. 
See  No.  161. 


Fourth  outer  primary,  decidedly  notched  ;  under  surface  of  outer 
primaries,  not  heavily  barred  with  dark  brown  and  white;  tail,  9.50, 
or  over;  wing,  over  11.50.  Astur  atricapillus,  and  races. 

American  Goshawk. 

See  Nos.  157, 


Fourth  outer  primary,  decidedly  notched;  under  surface  of  outer 
primaries,  not  heavily  barred  with  dark  brown  and  white;  tail,  less 
than  9.50  ;  upper  surface  of  tail,  with  distinct  white  bars. 

Buteo  lineatus. 
Red-shouldered  Hawk. 
See  No.  159. 

Under  surface  of  primaries,  heavily  barred  with  dark  brown  and 
white;  wing,  under  11.50.  Accipiter  cooperii. 

Cooper's  Hawk. 
See  No.  156. 


GROUP  4.      Wing,    13   to   15  inches  long. 

SECTION   1.      Second    primary,   longest;  first  and    second    primaries, 
emarginate,  or  notched. 

Length,  always  under  19;   primaries,  hoary  gray,  without  bands; 
breast  and  belly,  white ;  a  patch  of  black  on  the  shoulder. 

Elanus  leucurus. 
White-tailed  Kite. 
See  No.  152. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  149 

First  primary,  pale  brown,  with  numerous  bands  on  inner  web; 
length,  usually  under  19  (some  females  are  longer) ;  upper  plumage, 
grayish  brown.  Falco  mexicanus. 

Prairie  Falcon. 

See  No.  168. 

Length,  always  over  19;  under  tail  coverts,  spotted,  or  washed 
with  dusky;  upper  parts,  grayish,  barred  and  marked  with  white; 
under  parts,  white,  streaked  and  spotted  with  blackish. 

Falco  rusticolus. 
Gray  Gyrfalcon. 
See  No.  167. 


SECTION   2.   Third   primary,   longest;   face,  bare. 

Throat,  white  or  buff;  upper  surface  of  tail,  grayish  brown,  with 
numerous  bars;  three  outer  primaries,  emarginate,  or  notched. 

Buteo  swainsoni. 
Swainson's  Hawk. 
See  No.  160. 

SECTION   3.      Fourth  primary,  longest;  upper  tail  coverts,  white. 

Upper  tail  coverts,  white;  under  surface  of  tail,  white  or  pale 
:ufous,  with  several  bands  of  dark  brown.  Circus  hudsonius. 

Marsh  Hawk. 

See  No.  154. 

SECTION  4.      Fourth  primary,  longest;  upper  tail  coverts,  not   white. 

Upper  surface  of  tail,  bright  rufous  brown,  with  or  without  bands 
(adult ) .  Buteo  borealis,  and  races. 

Red-tailed  Hawk. 
See  Nos.  158,  isSa,  i58b,  1580. 

Upper  surface  of  inner  webs  of  outer  tail  feathers,  barred  with 
brown  and  white;  tail  feathers,  more  or  less  tinged  with  pale  rufous; 
primaries,  not  tinged  with  rufous  (immature ) . 

Buteo  borealis,  and  races. 
Red-tailed  Hawk. 
See  Nos.  158,  I$&SL,  is8b,  1580. 

Upper  surface  of  inner  web  of  outer  tail  feathers,  barred  with 
brown  and  white;  tail  feathers,  more  or  less  tinged  with  pale  rufous; 
primaries,  more  or  less  tinged  with  rufous  (immature ) . 

Buteo  lineatus. 
Red-shouldered  Hawk. 
See  No.  159. 


150     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Upper  surface  of  tail,  dark  brown,  barred  with  white  (adult). 

Buteo  lineatus. 
Red-shouldered  Hawk. 
See  No.  159. 

Throat,  white;  breast,  dull  brown;  thighs,  barred  rufous  brown 
and  white ;  three  outer  primaries,  emarginate,  or  notched  (adult ) . 

Buteo  swainsoni. 
Swainson's  Hawk. 
See  No.  160. 

Throat,  buff  or  buff  white;  breast,  heavily  marked  with  dark 
brown;  thighs,  pale  rufous  or  buff  with  or  without  bars;  three  outer 
primaries,  emarginate,  or  notched  (immature).  Buteo  swainsoni. 

Swainson's  Hawk. 
See  No.  160. 

Throat  and  under  parts  finely  barred  with  gray  and  dull  white, 
the  feathers  with  dark  shafts;  thighs,  barred  and  mottled  with  gray 
and  white;  tail,  9.50  or  over;  wing,  over  11.50  (adult). 

Astur  atricapillus,  and  races. 
American   Goshawk. 
See  Nos.  157,  i57a. 

Throat  and  under  parts  and  thighs,  white,  or  tawny  white, 
streaked  with  dark  brown;  tail,  strongly  barred  (immature). 

Astur  atricapillus. 
American  Goshawk. 
See  No.  157. 


GROUP  5.     Wing,  15  to  17  inches  long. 

SECTION   1.      Second  primary,  longest;  only  first  primary,  emarginate, 
or  notched. 

Length,  under  19;  primaries,  dark  brown,  banded  on  inner  web 
with  pale  rufous.  Falco  peregrinus  anatum. 

Duck  Hawk. 
See  No.  169. 

Length,  over  19 ;  under  tail  coverts,  marked  with  dusky  or  spotted ; 
general  plumage,  gray  and  white,  with  more  or  less  black  marking; 
primaries,  not  dark  brown.  Falco  rusticolus. 

Gray  Gyrfalcon. 
See  No.  167. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  151 

SECTION   2.      Second    primary,  longest;    first  and  second    primaries, 
emarginate,  or  notched. 

Back,  entirely  brown;  belly,  white,  without  streaks;  under  tail 
coverts,  pure  white;  tarsus,  nearly  bare. 

Pandion  haliaetus  carolinensis . 
American  Osprey.     Fish  Hawk. 
See  No.  172. 

Back,  slaty  brown  and  white;  under  tail  coverts,  spotted  or 
marked  with  dusky.  Falco  rusticolus, 

Gray  Gyrfalcon. 
See  No.  167. 

SECTION  3.      Third  primary,  longest. 

Four  outer  primaries,  notched;  basal  portion  of  inner  webs  of 
primaries,  largely  white,  without  bars;  thighs,  tawny  or  buff,  more 
or  less  barred;  tarsus,  thickly  feathered. 

Archibuteo  lagopus  sancti-johannis. 
American  Rough-legged  Hawk. 
See  No.  164. 

Four  outer  primaries,  notched;  basal  portion  of  inner  webs  of 
primaries,  largely  white,  without  bars;  thighs,  tinged  with  deep 
rufous,  heavily  barred;  tarsus,  thickly  feathered. 

Archibuteo  ferrugineus. 
Ferruginous  Rough-legged  Hawk. 
See  No.  163. 

General  plumage,   entirely  sooty  brown,   or  black;    four  outer 

primaries,  notched;    primaries  and  tail,  with  more  or  less  white,  or 

gray;  tarsus,  thickly  feathered.       Archibuteo  lagopus  sancti-johannis. 

American  Rough-legged  Hawk  (black  plumage). 

See  No.  164. 

Three  outer  primaries,  notched;   belly  and  thighs,  not  white. 

Buteo  swainsoni. 
Swainson's  Hawk. 

See  No.  160. 

Three  outer  primaries,  notched;  a  part  of  inner  web  of  outer 
primaries,  white,  showing  numerous  imperfect  bars ;  belly  and  thighs, 
pure  white;  back,  dark  brown.  Pandion  haliaetus  carolinensis. 

American  Osprey.     Fish  Hawk. 
See  No.  172. 


1 52     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Two  outer  primaries,  notched ;  primaries,  dark  slaty  blue,  show- 
ing greenish  tinge  when  held  in  the  light;  tail,  long  and  forked; 
under  parts  and  thighs,  white.  Elanoides  forficatus. 

Swallow-tailed  Kite. 
See  No.  151. 


SECTION  4.      Fourth  primary,  longest;   four  or  five  outer  primaries, 
emarginate,  or  notched;  upper  tail  coverts,  white. 

Upper  tail  coverts,  white ;  under  surface  of  tail,  white  or  pale  ru- 
fous, with  several  bands  of  dark  brown.  Circus  hudsonius. 

Marsh  Hawk. 

See  No.  154. 

SECTION   5.      Fourth  primary,  longest;   four  or  five  outer  primaries, 

emarginate,  or  notched;  upper  tail  coverts,  not  white;   tarsus, 

partly  (but  not  entirely)  feathered. 

Tail,  bright  rufous  brown   (adult ) ;   tail,  whitish  or  grayish,  with 
numerous  brown  bars  (immature.)  Buteo  borealis,  and  races. 

Red-tailed  Hawk. 
See  Nos.  158,  is8a,  is8b,  1580-. 

General  plumage,  dark  sooty  brown,  sometimes  with  under  parts 
pale,  more  or  less  streaked  and  spotted.  Buteo  borealis  harlani. 

Harlan's  Hawk. 
See  No.  i58c. 

SECTION  6.      Fourth  primary,  longest;  four  or  five  outer  primaries, 

emarginate,  or  notched;  tarsus,  entirely  feathered;   upper  tail 

coverts,  not  white. 

Thighs,  tawny,  more  or  less  streaked  or  barred. 

Archibuteo  lagopus  sancti-johannis. 
American  Rough-legged  Hawk. 
See  No.  164. 

General  plumage,  sooty  brown  or  black   (black  plumage). 

Archibuteo  lagopus  sancti-johannis. 
American  Rough-legged  Hawk. 
See  No.  164. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  153 

Thighs,  tinged  with  deep  rufous,  with  numerous  bars. 

Archibuteo  ferrugineus. 
Ferruginous  Rough-legged  Hawk. 

See  No.  163. 

SECTION   7.      Fourth  primary,  longest;  three  outer  primaries, 
emarginate,  or  notched. 

Tarsus,  partly  feathered;    throat,  white    (adult);    throat,  tawny 
or  buff  (immature).  Bitteo  swainsoni. 

Swainson's  Hawk. 
See  No.  160. 


GROUP  6.      Wing,  17  to  21  inches  long. 
SECTION   1.      Third  primary,  longest;  tarsus,  wholly  feathered. 

Basal  portion  of  inner  web  of  primaries,  largely  white,  without 
bars;  thighs,  tawny  or  buff,  more  or  less  barred;  tarsus,  thickly 
feathered.  Archibuteo  lagopus  sancti-johannis. 

American  Rough-legged  Hawk. 
See  No.  164. 

Basal  portion  of  inner  web  of  primaries,  largely  white,  without 
bars;  thighs,  tinged  with  deep  rufous,  heavily  barred. 

Archibuteo  ferrugineus. 
Ferruginous  Rough-legged  Hawk. 
See.  No.  163. 

General  plumage,  entirely  sooty  brown  or  black;  primaries  and 
tail,  with  more  or  less  white  or  gray. 

Archibuteo  lagopus  sancti-johannis. 
American  Rough-legged  Hawk  (black  plumage ) . 

See  No.  164. 

SECTION   2.      Third  primary,  longest;   tarsus,  not  wholly    feathered. 

Wing,  from  16.90  to  21;  a  part  of  inner  web  of  outer  primaries, 
white,  showing  numerous  imperfect  bars;  three  outer  primaries, 
notched ;  belly  and  thighs,  pure  white ;  back,  dark  brown. 

Pandion  haliaetus  carolinensis. 
American  Osprey.     Fish  Hawk. 
See  No.  172. 


154     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Head,  neck  and  entire  under  parts,  pure  white;  rest  of  plumage, 
glossy  bluish  black ;  wing,  less  than  1 9 ;  primaries,  dark  slaty,  show- 
ing greenish  tinge  when  held  in  the  light;  two  outer  primaries,  notched ; 
tail,  long  and  forked.  Elanoides  forficatus. 

Swallow-tailed-  Kite. 
See  No.  151. 

Wing,  always  over  18.50;  belly  and  thighs,  never  white;  only 
adult  birds  have  the  hood  and  tail  white.  Haliaetus  leucocephalus. 

Bald  Eagle. 
See  No.  166. 


SECTION   3.      Fourth  primary,    longest;  tarsus,  partly  (not  entirely) 
feathered. 

Tail,  rufous  brown  (adult);   tail,  whitish  or  grayish,  with  numer- 
ous brown  bars  (immature).  Buteo  borealis,  and  races. 

Red-tailed  Hawk. 
See  Nos.  158,  i58a,  i^8b,  1580. 


General  plumage,    dark  sooty  brown,    sometimes  with  pale  under 
parts,  more  or  less  streaked  and  spotted.  Buteo  borealis  harlani. 

Harlan's  Hawk. 

See  No.  1580. 

Wing,  always  over  18.50;    only  adults  have  head  and  tail  white. 

Halieeetus  leucocephalus. 
Bald  Eagle. 
See  No.  166. 


SECTION     4.      Fourth  primary,    longest;  tarsus,  entirely  feathered. 

Thighs,  tawny,  more  or  less  streaked  or  barred. 

Archibuteo  lagopus  sancti-johannis. 
American  Rough-legged  Hawk. 
See  No.  164. 

General  plumage,  sooty  brown  or  black  (black  plumage). 

Archibuteo  lagopus  sancti-johannis. 
American  Rough-legged  Hawk. 
See  No.  164. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  155 

Thighs,  tinged  with  deep  rufous,  with  numerous  bars. 

Archibuteo  ferrugineus. 
Ferruginous  Rough-legged  Hawk. 
See  No.  163. 


GROUP  7.     Wing,  over  21    inches  long.     (Eagles.) 

General  plumage,  fuscous  brown ;  tarsus,  entirely  feathered ;  head 
and  terminal  portion  of  tail,  never  white.  Immature  birds  have  the 
basal  half  or  more  of  the  tail  feathers  white.  Aquila  chrysaetos. 

Golden  Eagle. 
See  No.  165. 


Tarsus,  not  entirely  feathered;  head  and  tail,  more  or  less  white 
in  old  birds ;  younger  birds  have  no  white  on  head,  and  very  little  on 
the  tail,  but  the  partly  bare  tarsus  will  always  distinguish  immature 
birds  of  this  species  from  the  Golden  Eagle ;  fully  adult  birds  have  the 
head,  neck,  and  tail  entirely  white  and  the  bill  yellow. 

Haliaetus  leucocephalus. 
Bald  Eagle. 
See  No.  166. 


Family   STRIGID^.      Owls. 

Radiated  disk  of  feathers  surrounding  the  eye;    plumage,   soft; 
toes,  armed  with  strong  curved  talons ;  bill,  hooked. 


*  GROUP  1.     Wing,  less  than  8.50  inches  long.   , 
SECTION   1.     Toes,  thickly  feathered. 

Wing,  less  than  6.10;  upper  plumage,  dark  cinnamon  brown, 
more  or  less  marked  with  white;  under  parts,  whitish,  streaked  .with 
brown ;  adult  birds  have  much  white  about  the  face ;  immature  birds 
have  the  face  dusky,  but  the  eyebrows  white.  Glaux  acadicus. 

Saw-whet  Owl.     Acadian  Owl. 
See  No.  179. 

*  For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 


156     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Richardson's  Owl. 


Saw-whet  Owl. 


Wing,  over  6.10;  upper  plumage,  dark  cinnamon  brown,  more  or 
less  spotted  with  white;  under  parts,  brown  and  white. 

Glaux  funerea  richardsoni. 
Richardson's  Owl. 
See  No.  178. 

SECTION   2.      Toes,  nearly  bare,  or  but  thinly  feathered. 

Tarsus,  thickly  feathered ;  head  with  two  horn-like  tufts  of  feathers ; 
general  plumage,  sometimes  gray,  sometimes  rufous  brown,  more  or 
less  streaked  and  spotted.  Otus  asio. 

Screech  Owl. 
See  No.  180. 


GROUP  2.  Wing,  8.50  to   n    inches  long. 

Primaries,  dark  brown,  more  or  less  marked  with  tawny  brown; 
head  with  ear  tufts  an  inch  or  more  long.  Asio  wilsonianus. 

American  Long-eared  Owl. 

See  No.  174. 

Primaries,  dark  brown,  more  or  less  marked  with  pure  white; 
no  horn-like  tufts  of  feathers  on  head.  Surnia  ulula  caparoch. 

American  Hawk  Owl. 
See  No.  183. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  157 

.      GROUP  3.      Wing,  n  to  13  inches  long. 

Back,  not  heavily  barred  or  mottled  with  whitish ;  first  and  second 
primaries,  "notched"  or  emarginate;  ear  tufts,  very  small,  hardly 
noticeable.  Asio  flammeus. 

Short-eared  Owl. 
See  No.  175. 

Back,  finely  mottled  with  whitish  (not  heavily  barred);  head, 
with  ear  tufts  an  inch  or  more  long;  first  primary  only,  "notched." 

Asio  wilsonianus . 
American  Long-eared  Owl. 
See  No.  174. 

General  plumage,  umber  brown,  mottled  and  barred  with  whitish ; 
belly,  streaked  dark  with  brown  and  whitish;  toes,  feathered;  no 
ear  tufts.  Strix  varia. 

Barred  Owl. 
See  No.  176. 


Barn  Owl. 
About  one  seventh  natural  size. 

Under  parts,  white,  or  tawny  white,  with  more  or  less  small  spots 
of  brown;  middle  toe  nail,  with  comb-like  edge.  (This  species 
belongs  in  Family  Aluconidas,  the  Barn  Owls  having  been  separated 
from  the  Strigidae. )  Aluco  pratincola. 

Barn  Owl. 
See  No.  173. 


158     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

GROUP  4.     Wing,  13  to  15  inches  long. 
SECTION   1.      Second  primary,  decidedly  shorter  than  fourth. 

Under  parts,  white,  barred  and  streaked  with  brown;   toes,  more 
or  less  feathered.  Strix  varia. 

Barred  Owl. 
See  No.  176. 

SECTION  2.     Second  primary,  about  equal  in  length  to  fourth. 

Two  large,  ear-like  tufts  of  feathers  above  the  eyes. 

Bubo  virginianus,  and  races. 
Great  Horned  Owl. 
See  Nos.  181,  i8ia. 


SECTION  3.     Second  primary,  decidedly  longer  than  fourth. 


Short-eared  Owl. 

Under  parts,  streaked;  feet,  thickly  feathered.         Asio  flammeus. 

Short-eared  Owl. 
See  No.  175. 

Under  parts,  white  or  buff  white,  more  or  less  spotted;  feet,  nearly 
bare;  middle  toe  nail,  with  comb-like  edge.  Aluco  pratincola. 

Barn  Owl. 
See  No.  173. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OP  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


GROUP  5.     Wing,  over  15  inches  long. 

Bill,  black;  general  plumage,  tawny,  black  and  white;  horn-like 
tufts  of  feathers  over  the  eyes.  Bubo  virginianus,  and  races. 

Great  Horned  Owl. 
See  Nos.  181,  i8ia. 

Bill,  black;  general  plumage,  white,  usually  more  or  less  marked 
with  slate  brown,  or  dark  brown;  no  horn-like  tufts  of  feathers  over 
the  eyes.  Nyctea  nyctea. 

Snowy  Owl. 
See  No.  182. 

Bill,  yellowish;  no  horn- like  tufts  of  feathers  over  eyes;  general 
plumage,  gray  mixed  with  white  and  dark  brown. 

Scotiaptex  nebulosa. 
Great  Gray  Owl. 
See  No.  177. 


Great  Horned  Owl. 


160     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Family    PSITTACID^.    Parrots  and 
Paroquets. 

Toes,  four,  two  in  front  and  two  behind  (zygodactyle) ;  bill,  with 
cere  (a  skin-like  covering  over  base  of  mandible). 


General  plumage,  green ;  head  and  neck,  yellow,  becoming  orange 
on  the  forehead  and  cheeks;  bend  of  wing,  yellow.  Immature  birds 
have  but  little  yellow  on  the  head.  Conuropsis  carolinensis . 

Carolina  Paroquet. 
See  No.  184. 

Once  common  in  Southern  States  and  as  far  north  as  Illinois; 
apparently  now  restricted  to  Florida  and  Indian  Territory. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


161 


Family   CUCULID^.      Cuckoos. 

Feet,  zygodactyle  (two  toes  in  front,  two  behind)  ;  first  primary, 
about  half  as  long  as  third ;  outer  tail  feathers,  much  shorter  than 
middle  ones. 


Yellow-billed  Cuckoo. 

Upper  parts,  brownish  gray,  with  faint  gloss  of  greenish;  under 
mandible,  mostly  yellow ;  greater  portion  of  primaries,  rufous  brown, 
tipped  with  grayish  olive;  under  parts,  dull  white;  outer  tail  feathers, 
black,  tipped  with  white.  Coccyzus  americanus. 

Yellow-billed  cuckoo. 
See  No.  185. 

Upper  parts,  grayish  brown,  with  faint  gloss  of  green;  bill,  black; 
no  rufous  brown  on  primaries;  under  parts,  dull  white;  outer  tail 
feathers,  like  back  in  color.  Coccyzus  erythrophthalmus . 

Black-billed  Cuckoo. 
See  No.  186. 


162     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Family   ALCEDINID^.      Kingfishers. 

Bill,  long  and  straight;  feet,  syndactyle ;  toes,  four,  the  middle 
and  outer  ones  joined,  being  fastened  together  for  more  than  half 
their  length ;  tarsus,  very  short  and  reticulate  (scales  rounded)  in 
front. 


Back,  bluish  gray;  throat  and  belly, 

white;   a   band   of  bluish   gray   on   the 

breast     (male) ;    under    parts,    without 

chestnut  brown;  sides  of  the  body  and 

a  band  on  the  belly,  chestnut  (female). 

Ceryle  alcyon. 

Belted  Kingfisher. 

See  No.  187. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


163 


Family    PICID^.      Woodpeckers. 

Bill,  strong  and  sharp;  toes,  four  or  three,  never  more  than  two 
in  front;  nostrils,  partly  concealed  by  small  bristly  feathers;  tail 
feathers,  stiff  and  pointed.  Woodpeckers  are  commonly  seen  climb- 
ing about  on  trunks  of  trees. 


GROUP  1. 


Wing,  less  than  4.25  inches  long. 

Back,  black,   streaked  with 
white;  crown,  with  red  nuchal 
patch  (male) ;   without  red  nu- 
chal patch  (female);  tail  feath- 
ers, stiff  and  pointed ;  toes,  four, 
two  in  front,  two  behind. 
Dryobates  pubescens  medianus. 
Downy  Woodpecker. 
See  No.  190. 


GROUP  2.     Wing,  4.25  to  5.50  inches  long. 

SECTION   1.     The  following  species  have  three  toes;  no  trace  of  red 
on  the  crown  or  nape : — 


Toes,  three;    crown,  with  patch  of  yellow;   back,  black,  without 
white  (male ) .  Picoides  arcticus. 

Arctic  Three-toed  Woodpecker. 
See  No.  191. 

*  For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 


164     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Toes,  three;  crown,  black;  back,  black,  without  white. 

Picoides  arcticus  (female). 
Arctic  Three-toed  Woodpecker. 
See  No   191. 


Picoides  americanus. 

Toes,  three;  crown,  yellow;  back,  black  and  white. 

Picoides  americanus  (male}. 
American  Three-toed  Woodpecker.     Banded-backed  Woodpecker. 

See  No.  192. 

Toes,  three;    crown,  black,  marked  with  white;    back,  black  and 

white.  Picoides  americanus  (female). 

American  Three-toed  Woodpecker.     Banded-backed  Woodpecker. 

See  No.  192. 


SECTION  2.      The  following  species  have   four  toes;  no  trace  of  red 
on  crown  or  nape : — 

Ear  coverts,  black; 

no  white  on  inner 
web  of  two  middle 
tail  feathers;  middle 
of  back,  more  or  less 
white,  but  not  heavi- 
ly banded  as  in  borea- 
lis;  lower  rump  and 
upper  tail  coverts, 
black. 

Dryobates  villosus  (fe- 
male ) . 

Hairy  Woodpecker. 
See  No.  189. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  165 

Rump  and  upper  tail  coverts,  pure  white ;  greater  portion  of  tertials 
and  secondaries,  white;  the  shafts,  black;  inner  webs  of  two  middle 
tail  feathers,  not  marked  with  white.  Adult  birds  of  both  sexes 
have  the  head  red;  immature  birds  have  the  head  dark  brownish 
gray.  Melanerpes erythrocephalus  (immature}. 

Red -headed  Woodpecker. 
See  No.  195. 

Inner  webs  of  two  middle  tail  feathers,  heavily  marked  with  white ; 

belly,  usually  tinged  with  pale  yellow. 

Sphyrapicus  varius  (immature}. 
Yellow-bellied  Woodpecker. 
See  No.  193. 

SECTION  3.      The  following  species  have  four  toes,  and  more  or  less 
red  on  crown  or  nape  : — 


Crown,  black;  a  patch  of  red  on  the  occiput  (back  of  the  head)  ; 
ear  coverts,  black ;  no  white  on  inner  webs  of  two  middle  tail  feathers ; 
back,  black,  with  white  patch  in  middle,  but  not  heavily  banded  with 
black  and  white;  wings,  with  round  white  spots;  upper  tail  coverts, 
black.  Dryobates  villosus  (male}. 

Hairy  Woodpecker. 
See  No.  189. 

Crown,  red;  throat,  red  (male);  crown,  red;  throat,  white  (fe- 
male); belly,  tinged  with  yellow;  two  middle  tail  feathers,  heavily 
marked  with  white  on  the  inner  webs ;  a  patch  of  black  on  the  breast, 
varying  in  size,  according  to  age  and  season. 

Sphyrapicus  varius   (adult}. 
Yellow-bellied  Woodpecker. 
See  No.  193. 


i66     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Crown,  red  (male ) ;  crown,  ashy  gray,  nape,  red  (female ) ;  throat 
and  under  parts,  pale  ash  gray,  the  belly  tinged  with  red  or  buff,  accord- 
ing to  season.  Centurus  carolinus. 

Red-bellied  Woodpecker. 
See  No.  196. 

Rump  and  upper  tail  coverts,  pure  white;  greater  part  of  second- 
aries and  tertials,  white,  with  black  shafts  (sometimes  with  one  brown 
band  near  tip ) ;  entire  head  and  throat,  red  (adults)  ;  immature 
birds  have  the  head  brownish  gray,  speckled  and  marked  with  dull 
black,  but  usually  showing  more  or  less  red  in  places. 

Melanerpes  erythrocephalus. 
Red-headed  Woodpecker. 
See  No.  195. 


GROUP  3.     Wing,  5.50  to  8.00. 

Under  surface  of  wings  and  tail,  yellow;  a  band  of  red  on  the  nape, 

and  a  black  molar  stripe  (male ) ;  similar  but  without  the  black  molar 

stripe  (female).  Colaptes  auratus  luteus. 

Northern  Flicker.    Golden-winged  Woodpecker. 

See  No.  197. 

Rump  and  upper  tail  coverts,  pure  white;  greater  portion  of 
tertials,  white,  the  shafts,  black;  middle  tail  feathers,  not  marked 
with  white;  belly,  white.  Adult  birds  of  both  sexes  have  the  entire 
head  red ;  immature  birds  have  the  head  dark  brownish  gray. 

Melanerpes    erythrocephalus. 
Red-headed  Woodpecker. 
See  No.  195. 

Middle  tail  feathers,  marked  with  white;  under  parts,  ashy,  tinged 
with  red  or  buff  on  the  belly;  back  barred  with  black  and  white; 
whole  top  of  head,  red  (male);  top  of  head,  ash  gray,  nape  red 
(female).  Centurus  carolinus. 

Red-bellied  Woodpecker. 
See  No.  196. 

Throat,  red  (male)  or  white  (female),  not  gray;  belly,  tinged 
with  yellow;  wing  coverts,  mostly  white.  Sphyrapicus  varius. 

Yellow-bellied  Woodpecker. 
See  No.  193. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  167 


Yellow-bellied  Woodpecker. 
(Adult  male.) 


GROUP  4.      Wing,  over  8.00. 

Bill,  dark  slaty,  or  blackish;  upper  plumage,  blackish;  basal  half 
of  wing  feathers,  white;  whole  crown,  scarlet  red  (male);  front  of 
crown,  not  red  (female) ;  size,  large,  length  over  15  inches. 

Phlceotomus  pileatus  albieticola. 
Northern  Pileated  Woodpecker. 
See  No.  194. 

Bill,  yellowish  white;  greater  portion  of  plumage,  black;  greater 
portion  of  secondaries,  and  tips  of  inner  primaries,  white;  a  white 
stripe  extends  down  sides  of  the  neck  to  the  back;  crest,  bright  red 
(male);  crest,  black  (female).  Formerly  found  in  Illinois,  but  now 
occurs  only  in  Florida,  and  a  few  localities  along  the  Gulf  coast; 
very  rare.  Campephilus  principalis. 

Ivory-billed  Woodpecker. 
See  No.  188. 


i68     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Family     CAPRIMULGID^E.         Nighthawks, 
Whip-poor-wills,  etc. 

Feet,  small  and  weak ;  mouth,  very  large ;   bill,  small ;  middle  toe 
nail,  with  fine  comb-like  edge ;  front  toes,  connected  at  base. 


A  band  of  white  on  the  wing;  tail  feathers,  not  tipped  with  white. 

Chordeiles  virginianus,  and  races. 
Nighthawk. 
See  Nos.  200,  zooa. 

No  white  on  the  wing;    primaries,  banded  with  rufous  brown 
and  black;  wing,  over  7.50  in.  long.  Antrostomus  carolinensis. 

Chuck-wilPs-widow. 
See  No.  198. 


No  white   on  wing;    outer  tail   feathers, 

broadly  tipped  with  white;  wing,  under  7.50 

in.  long.  Antrostomus  vociferus. 

Whip-poor-will. 

See  No.  199. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


169 


Family    MICROPODID^E.      Swifts. 

Bill,  small  and  weak;    mouth,  large;    feet,  small;    tail  feathers, 
with  sharp  spines  extending  beyond  the  tips. 


General  plumage,  sooty  brown,  showing  a  faint  greenish  tinge  on 
the  upper  parts ;  throat,  ashy  white ;  tail  feathers,  with  sharp  spines, 

or  points  formed  by  the  shafts  of  the  feathers,  extending  beyond  the 
webs.  The  Swifts  are  widely  separated  generically  from  the  Swallows ; 
but  persons  unfamiliar  with  birds  might  look  for  them  under  the  same 
family.  Chatura  pelagica. 

Chimney  Swift. 
See  No.  201. 


Family    TROCHILID^.      Hummingbirds. 

Smallest  of  Birds.    Wing  less  than  1.75  inches  long  (carpus  to  tip). 


Throat,  ruby  red;   back,  golden  green   (male);   no  red  on  throat 
(female  and  young  male).  Trochilus  colubris. 

Ruby-throated  Hummingbird. 
See  No.  202. 


170     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Family   TYRANNIC^-      Flycatchers. 

*  GROUP  1.     Wing,  2.13  to  2.37  inches  long. 

Bill,  broad  and  flattened,  with  numerous  small  black  bristles  at 
base  of  upper  mandible;  tip,  with  small  but  distinct  hook;  tarsus, 
rounded,  not  flattened  and  sharp  at  the  back  as  in  the  Vireos. 


Top  of  bill.  Side  of  bill. 

First  primary  shorter  than  fifth;  bill,  with  small  hook  at  tip, 
flat  and  wide  at  base;  back,  olive  green;  belly,  not  yellow,  or  only 
faintly  tinged  with  yellow;  eye  ring,  whitish.  Empidonax  minimus. 

Least  Flycatcher. 

See  No.  215. 

Back,  olive  green;  belly,  clear  yellow.          Empidonax  flaviventris. 

Yellow-bellied  Flycatcher. 
See  No.  212. 


GROUP  2.     Wing,  2.37  to  2.75  inches  long. 

First  primary,  about  as  long  as  fifth;   under  mandible  yellowish 

white;   throat,  dull  white;  breast  and  belly,  dull  white,  tinged  with 

pale  yellow;  back,  olive  green.  Empidonax  virescens. 

Green-crested  Flycatcher.     Acadian  Flycatcher. 

See  No.  213. 

Under  mandible,  yellowish  white;  throat  and  under  parts,  yellow 
or  greenish  yellow;  back,  olive  green.  Empidonax  flaviventris . 

Yellow-bellied  Flycatcher. 
See  No.  212. 

*For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


Flycatcher. 

First  primary,  shorter  than  fifth;  under  mandible,  pale  yellowish 
white,  or  brownish  white ;  back,  tinged  with  olive  brown ;  wing,  over 
2.60;  eye  ring  and  wing  bars,  whitish.  Empidonax  traillii,  and  races. 

Traill's  Flycatcher. 
See  Nos.  214,  2i4a. 

Eye  ring,  whitish;  first  primary,  shorter 
than  fifth;    under  mandible,  usually  pale 
^p^     brown  or  brownish  white;  wing,  under  2.60. 
Empidonax  minimus. 
Least  Flycatcher. 
See  No.  215. 


GROUP  3.     Wing,    2.75  to  3.25  inches  long. 

Bill,  flat  and  wide,  with  small  hook  at  tip, 
and  black  bristles  at  base. 

Wing,  under  3.05;    under  mandible,  yel- 
lowish white;    throat  and  under  parts,  pale 
greenish  yellow ;  back,  olive  green.  Empidonax  flaviventris. 

Yellow-bellied  Flycatcher. 
See  No.  212. 


172     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Wing,  usually  under  3.05  ;  under  mandible,  straw  color  or  yellowish 
white;  throat,  white;  belly,  whitish,  faintly  tinged  with  yellow; 
back,  olive  green;  first  primary,  about  as  long  as  fifth. 

Empidonax  virescens. 
Green-crested  or  Acadian  Flycatcher. 
See  No.  213. 


Wing,  under  3.05;  upper  parts,  tinged  with  olive  brown;  throat, 
white;  under  mandible,  yellowish  white;  eye-ring  and  wing  bars,  pale 
tawny;  first  primary,  shorter  than  fifth.  Empidonax  traillii,  and  races. 

Traill's  Flycatcher. 

See  Nos.  214, 


GROUP  4.     Wing,  3.25  to  3.75  inches  long. 

Both  mandibles,  blackish;  back  brownish  olive, 
under  tail  coverts,   pale  yellowish  white. 

Sayornis  phcebe. 
Phrebe  Flycatcher. 

See  No.  207. 


Wood  Pewee. 


Wing,  longer  than  the  tail;  under  mandible,  pale,  usually  yellow- 
ish, or  yellowish  brown;  back,  dull  olive;  breast  and  sides,  olive  gray. 

Myiochanes  virens. 
Wood  Pewee. 
See  No.  210. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


173 


GROUP  5.      Wing,  3.75  to  4.25  inches  long. 

Bill,  with  small  hook  at  tip,  and  black  bristles  at  base;  back  of 
tarsus,  rounded. 

Throat,  grayish ;  belly,  yellow ;  back,  dull  olive ;  more  or  less  ru- 
fous brown  on  the  tail  feathers.  Myiarchus  crinitus. 

Crested  Flycatcher. 
See  No.  206. 

Throat,  grayish  olive ;  belly,  pale  rufous  brown ;  upper  parts,  olive 
gray.  Sayornis  saya. 

Say's   Phoebe   Flycatcher. 

See  No.  208. 

Wing,  longer  than  tail;  throat  and  middle  of  belly,  white,  some- 
times tinged  with  yellow;  under  mandible,  pale  at  base;  upper  parts, 
brownish  olive;  greater  portion  of  breast,  and  sides  of  the  body, 
brownish  olive;  upper  mandible,  black;  a  tuft  of  whitish  fluffy  fea- 
thers on  the  flanks.  Nuttallornis  borealis. 

Olive-sided  Flycatcher. 
See  No.  209. 


GROUP  6.      Wing,  4.25  to  4.75  inches  long. 


Back,  blackish;  a  con- 
cealed patch  of  fiery  red 
on  crown;  tail,  tipped  with 
white;  belly,  white. 

Tyrannus  tyrannus. 
Kingbird. 
See  No.  204. 


Kingbird. 


Crown  and  back,  dull  olive;    throat,  gray;    belly  and  under  tail 
coverts,  yellow;   tail  feathers,  heavily  marked  with  rufous. 

Myiarchus  crinitus. 
Crested  Flycatcher. 
See  No.  206.* 


174     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Crown,  dull  olive  gray; 
tail,  black. 


throat,  olive  gray;   belly,  rufous  brown; 

Sayornis  say  a. 
Say's  Phoebe  Flycatcher. 
See  No.  208. 


Upper  plumage,  brownish  olive,  or  dull,  grayish  olive;  throat  and 
middle  of  belly,  white,  sometimes  tinged  with  pale  yellow;  breast 
(except  middle)  and  sides  of  body,  dull  grayish  olive;  under  mandible, 
pale.  Nuttallornis  borealis. 

Olive-sided  Flycatcher. 
See  No.  209. 

Crown  and  back,  ashy;  throat  and  breast,  ashy  white;  sides  of 
breast  and  body,  orange  red;  tail,  forked,  very  long,  rarely  less  than 
four  and  one  half  inches.  Muscivora  forficata. 

Scissor-tailed  Flycatcher. 

See  No.  203. 


GROUP  7.     Wing,  4.75  to  5.50  inches  long. 


Top  of  bill. 


Back,  blackish ;  a  concealed  patch  of  fiery  red  on  the  crown ;  tail, 
black,  tipped  with  white ;  belly,  white.  Tyrannus  tyrannus. 

Kingbird. 

See  No.  204. 

Back,  olive  gray;  a  concealed  orange  patch  on  the  crown;  throat, 
gray;  belly,  yellow;  outer  web  of  outer  tail  feather,  white;  a  western 
species  which  has  occasionally  been  taken  east  of  the  Mississippi. 

Tyrannus  verticalis. 
Arkansas   Kingbird. 
See  No.  205. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


175 


Crown  and  back,  ashy;  throat  and  breast,  ashy  white;  sides  of 
breast  and  body,  orange  red  ;  tail,  very  long,  rarely  less  than  four  and 
one  half  inches.  A  southwestern  species,  several  examples  of  which 
have  been  taken  in  eastern  North  America,  from  Ontario  to  Florida. 

Muscivora  forficata. 
Scissor-tailed  Flycatcher. 
See  No.  203. 


Family   ALAUDID^.      Larks. 

Bill,  pointed,  and  somewhat  rounded;  back  of  tarsus,  rounded; 
hind  toe  nail,  elongated,  equal  or  longer  than  the  toe ;  nostrils,  more 
or  less  concealed  by  tufts  of  hair-like  feathers ;  wing,  3.75  to  4.50. 


Upper  throat  and  line  over  the  eye,  yellow,  or  yellowish  white ^ 
a  stripe  from  bill  below  the  eye,  and  a  patch  on  breast,  black,  or  black- 
ish; belly,  white;  upper  parts,  brownish,  more  or  less  streaked; 
hind  toe  nail  long,  and  nearly  straight;  greater  portion  of  outer  web 


176     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

of  outer  tail  feather,  white.     In  immature  and  winter  birds,  the  horn- 
like tuft  of  feathers  is  lacking,  or  indistinct. 

Otocoris  alpestris,  and  races. 
Horned  Lark. 
See  Nos.  216,  2i6a,  and  2i6b. 


Family    CORVID^.      Crows,  Jays,   etc. 

Subfamily   GARRULIN^.      Magpies  and  Jays. 

First  primary,  much  shorter  than  second,  always  less  than  three 
fourths  as  long  as  third ;  fourth  or  fifth  primary,  longest ;  bill,  stout 
and  strong ;  the  nostrils,  concealed  by  coarse  hair-like  feathers ;  outer 
tail  feathers,  shorter  than  middle  feathers. 


*  GROUP   1.      Wing,jless  than  5.50  inches  long. 


Upper  parts,  pale  blue  or  purplish  blue;  tail, 
bright  blue,  barred  with  black  and  (except  middle 
feathers)  tipped  with  white;  wings,  blue,  marked 
with  white;  under  parts,  ashy  white;  breast  with 
black  band.  Cyanocitta  cristata. 

Blue  Jay. 


vSee  No.  218. 


*For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  177 


No  blue  on  plumage  anywhere;   greater  part   of  crown,   dusky; 
breast  and  belly,  gray;  throat,  lighter.  Perisoreus  canadensis. 

Canada  Jay. 
See  No.  219. 


GROUP  2.      Wing,  5.50  to  6.50  inches  long. 

Upper  parts,  pale  blue,  or  purplish  blue;  tail,  bright  blue,  barred 
with  black  and  (except  middle  feathers)  tipped  with  white;  wings, 
blue,  marked  with  white;  under  parts,  ashy  white;  breast,  with  black 
band.  Cyanocitta  cristata. 

Blue  Jay. 
See  No.  218. 

Forehead,  throat,  and  sides  of  head,  dull  white;  back  of  crown 
and  nape,  blackish;  back,  gray;  under  parts,  ashy,  palest  on  the 
throat.  Perisoreus  canadensis. 

Canada  Jay. 
See  No.  219. 


GROUP  3.   Wing,  6.50  to  8.50  inches  long. 

Head  and  breast,  black;    tail,  long,  showing  more  or  less  green 
and  purple  reflections.  Pica  pica  hudsonica. 

American  Magpie. 
See  No.  217. 

General  plumage,  ash  gray,  becoming  white  on  front  of  head; 
most  of  tail,  white  except  the  two  middle  feathers  which  are  black; 


178     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

wings,  black;  wing,  from  7.20  to  8;  tail,  about  5.25;  belongs  to  the 
subfamily  Corvinae.  Nucifraga  columbiana. 

Clarke's  Nutcracker. 
See  No.  222. 


Subfamily   CORVINE.      Crows  and  Ravens. 
*  GROUP  4.     Wing,  9.50  to  15  inches  long. 


Crow. 


Plumage,  black;   wing,  over  11.50;    tarsus,  over  2.10;   bill,  over 
i. 80.  Corvus  brachyrhynchos. 

American  Crow. 

See  No.  221. 


GROUP  5.   Wing,  over  15  inches  long. 

General  plumage,  black;  feathers  on  throat,  narrow  and  pointed, 
size  alone  will  distinguish  it  from  the  Crow. 

Corvus  cor  ax  principalis. 
Northern  Raven. 
See  No.  220. 

*  For  directions  for  measurement   see  page  21. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  179 


Family     ICTERID^.        Blackbirds,    Orioles, 
Meadowlarks,  etc. 

Bill,  usually  acute ;  first  primary,  not  short,  about  the  same  length 
as  second ;  base  of  bill  slightly  dividing  the  feathers  of  the  forehead ; 
nostrils  exposed ;  outer  tail  feathers,  shorter  than  middle  feathers. 


*  GROUP  1.      Wing,  less  than  3.75  inches  long. 

SECTION    1.     The  following  species  have  the  under  parts  more  or  less 
marked   with  either  yellow,  orange,  or  chestnut  brown  : — 

Head  and  throat,  black;  under  parts,  orange  yellow;  back,  black. 

Icterus  galbula  (male ) . 
Baltimore  Oriole. 

See  No.  230. 

Head,  more  or  less  marked  with  black;  back,  blackish;  under 
parts,  orange,  paler  than  the  male.  Icterus  galbula  (female). 

Baltimore  Oriole. 

See  No.  230. 

Crown  and  back,  dull  olive,  faintly  tinged  with  yellow  on  rump; 
under  parts,  pale  yellow,  usually  with  faint  orange  tinge;  wing,  over 
3.45.  Icterus  galbula  (immature •). 

Baltimore  Oriole. 

See  No.  230. 

Head  and  back,  black;  rest  of  under  parts,  chestnut  brown. 

Icterus  spurius  (male). 
Orchard  Oriole. 
See  No.  229. 

Crown  and  back,  greenish,  without  stripes;  under  parts,  yellow 
(not  orange);  wing,  under  3.45.  Icterus  spurius  (female). 

Orchard  Oriole. 
See  No.  229. 

*For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 


i8o     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Male. 


Orchard    Oriole. 


Female. 


Crown,  with  yellow  buff  in  center,  bordered  by  black;  back, 
streaked  with  black;  under  parts,  pale  yellow,  tinged  with  buff;  tail 
feathers,  pointed.  Dolichonyx  oryzivorus  (female}. 

Bobolink.     Rice  Bird. 
See  No.  223. 


SECTION   2.     The  following  species  have  the  under  parts  black,  or 
heavily  streaked  with  black  or  dark  brown  : — 


Bobolink. 


Under  parts,  black,  often  showing  more  or  less  whitish  on  tips  of 
feathers;   head,  black;   back  of  neck,  tawny,  or  tawny  white;   back, 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


181 


black,   shading  into  gray  and  white  on   rump  and  upper  tail  cov- 
erts. Dolichonyx  oryzivorus  (male. ) 

Bobolink.     Rice  Bird. 
See  No.  223. 


Red-winged  Blackbird  (female.) 

Under  parts,  whitish  or  buffy,  streaked  with  black, 

Agelaius  phaeniceus  (female},  and  races. 
Red- winged  Blackbird. 
See  Nos.  226,  226a. 


GROUP  2.     Wing,  3.75  to  4.25  inches  long. 
First  primary,  never  less  than  three  fourths  as  long  as  third. 


Blackbird. 


Crackle,  or  Crow  Blackbird.  Oriole. 


Meadowlark. 


182     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


SECTION   1.      The  following  species  have  under  parts  with  more  or 
less  yellow  : — 


Baltimore  Oriole  (male). 

Head  and  back,  black;   throat,  black;  rest  of  under  parts,  orange. 

Icterus  galbula  (male ) . 
Baltimore  Oriole. 

See  No.  230. 


Head  and  back,  brownish  black;  throat,  black;  rest  of  under  parts, 
paler  than  the  male.  Icterus  galbula  (female). 

Baltimore  Oriole. 

See  No.  230. 

Upper  plumage,  dull  brownish  olive ;  rump,  yellowish  olive;  entire 
under  parts,  yellowish  white  or  pale  buffy  yellow,  faintly  tinged  with 
orange.  Icterus  galbula  (immature ) . 

Baltimore  Oriole. 

See  No.  230. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


183 


Under  parts,  pale  buff  yellow  or  tawny  yellow;  whitish  on  chin; 
sides,  streaked  with  black;  crown,  blackish,  with  tawny  stripe  in 
center ;  back,  streaked ;  tail  feathers,  very  pointed. 

Dolichonyx  oryzivorus  (female ) . 
Bobolink.     Rice  Bird. 
See  No.  223. 


Throat  and  under  parts,  yellow;  breast, 
with  more  or  less  black;  crown  brownish 
black,  with  buff  white  stripe  in  center. 

Sturnella  magna,  and  race?,. 
Meadowlark. 
See  Nos.  227,  22ya,  and  228. 


SECTION  2.      The    following   species    have   no  yellow   on  the  under 

parts  : — 


Bobolink  (male). 


Bobolink  (male). 


Under  parts,  black,  generally  with  more  or  less  feathers  tipped 
with  dull  white;  crown,  black;  back  of  the  neck,  tawny;  tail  feathers, 
very  pointed.  Dolichonyx  oryzivorus. 

Bobolink.     Rice  Bird. 

See  No.  223. 


184     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Under  parts,    heavily   streaked   with   black ;   throat,    tinged   with 
tawny.  Agelaius  phceniceus  {female}. 

Red-winged  Blackbird. 

See  No.  226. 

Head  and  throat,  brown;  rest  of  plumage,  glossy  greenish  black. 

Molothrus  ater  (male). 
Cowbird. 

See  No.  224. 

Under  parts,  brownish  gray;  upper  parts,  pale  grayish  brown. 

Molothrus  ater  (female). 
Cowbird. 

See  No.  224. 


GROUP  3.      Wing,  4.25^0  4.75(inches  long. 
First  primary,  never  les?  than  three  fourths  as  long  as  third. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


185 


General  plumage,  black;  a  patch  of  scarlet  on  the  shoulder. 

Agelaius  phceniceus  (male),  and  races. 
Red-winged  Blackbird. 

See  Nos.  226,  226a. 


Rusty  Blackbird. 

General  plumage,  black;  no  red  shoulder  patch;  head,  not  tinged 
with  purple.  Euphagus  carolinus  (male}. 

Rusty  Blackbird. 
See  No.  231. 

General  plumage,  black,  glossed  on  the  head  with  purplish  or 
violet  black,  and  back  and  under  parts,  tinged  with  metallic  green; 
no  red  on  shoulder;  wing,  rarely  less  than  5  inches  long. 

Euphagus  cyanocephalus  (male ) . 
Brewer's  Blackbird. 
See  No.  232. 


186     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

General  plumage,  black,  tinged  with  rusty  brown  on  the  crown  and 
back ;  the  feathers  on  the  under  parts,  tipped  with  rusty  brown ;  under 
parts,  not  streaked;  no  red  on  shoulder. 

Euphagus  carolinus  (female  and  immature  in  fall). 

Rusty  Blackbird. 
See  No.  231. 

General  plumage,  black,  more  or  less  streaked  and  marked  with 
brown,  buff,  and  dull  white;  lesser  wing  coverts  (shoulder),  dull  red. 

Agelaius  phceniceus  (young  male}. 
Red-winged  Blackbird. 

See  No.  226. 

Upper  parts,  blackish,  streaked  with  brownish  buff;  under  parts, 
streaked  with  black ;  no  red  patch  on  shoulder. 

Agelaius  phceniceus  (female],  and  races. 
Red-winged  Blackbird. 
See  Nos.  226,  226a. 


Cowbird. 

Head  and  breast,  chocolate  brown;   rest  of  plumage,  glossy  black. 

Molothrus  ater  (male}. 
Cowbird. 
See  No.  224. 

General  plumage,  gray;  palest  on  the  throat. 

Molothrus  ater  (female}. 
Cowbird. 

See  No.  224. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  187 

Throat,  yellow;    belly,  black;    adult  males  have  the  entire  head 
yellow;    females  and  immature  birds  have  the  crown  often  blackish. 
Xanthocephalus  xanthocephalus  (female ) . 

Yellow-headed  Blackbird. 
See  No.  225. 


Meadowlark. 

Throat  and  belly,  yellow;  breast,  with  more  or  less  black. 

Sturnella  magna,  and  races. 
Meadowlark. 
See  Nos.  227,  227a,  and  228. 

General  plumage,  dark  slate  or  brownish  slate  color;  under  parts, 
inclining  to  plumbeous. 

Euphagus  carolinus  (female )  (adult  in  summer} . 

Rusty  Blackbird. 
See  No.  231. 


GROUP  4.      Wing,  4.75  to  5.50  inches  long. 

First  primary,  not  short;  base  of  bill,  dividing  the  feathers  of  the 
forehead;  nostrils,  exposed;  outer  tail  feathers,  shorter  than  middle 
feathers. 


i88     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


General  plumage,  metallic  green,  purple,  and  bronze. 

Quiscalus  quiscula  ceneus. 
Bronzed  Grackle. 

See  No.  233. 


General  plumage,  black; 


a  patch  of  scarlet  red  on  the  shoulder. 

lius  phceniceus  (adult  male ) . 
Red- winged  Blackbird. 
See  No.  226. 


General  plumage,  black,  more  or  less  streaked  and  marked  with 
buff,  brown,  and  dull  white;  traces  of  more  or  less  red  on  the  shoulder 
(lesser  wing  coverts).  Agelaius  phceniceus,  and  races  (immature}. 

Red-winged  Blackbird. 
See  Nos.  226,  226a. 

Adult  birds  entirely  lustrous  black;  no  red 
shoulder  patch.  Immature  birds  have  the  upper 
parts  more  or  less  rusty  brown  and  the  feathers  on 
the  under  parts,  tipped  with  brown. 

Euphagus  carolinus  (male,  and  immature). 
Rusty  Blackbird. 
See  No.  231. 

General  plumage,  dark  slate  or  brownish  slate  color;  under  parts, 
plumbeous  slate  color.  Euphagus  carolinus  (female,  in  summer ) . 

Rusty  Blackbird. 

See  No.  231. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  189 

General  plumage,  black,  glossed  on  the  head  with  purplish  or 
violet  black;  the  back  and  under  parts,  tinged  with  metallic  green; 
no  red  on  shoulder.  Western  species  rare  in  Eastern  United  States. 

Euphagus  cyanocephalus  (male ) . 
Brewer's  Blackbird. 
See  No.  232. 

Throat,  yellow;  belly,  black;  amount  of  yellow  on  head  varies 
according  to  age  and  season. 

Xanthocephalus  xanthocephalus  (female ) . 
Yellow-headed  Blackbird. 

See  No.  225. 

Throat  and  belly,  yellow;  breast,  with  more  or  less  black. 

Sturnella  magna,  and  races. 
Meadowlark.     Marsh  Quail. 

See  No.  227,  22-ja,  and  228. 


GROUP  5.      Wing,  5.50  to  6.50  inches  long. 

General  plumage,  black,  showing  metallic,  reflections  of  green, 
purple,  and  bronze,  when  held  in  the  light. 

Quiscalus  quiscula  ceneus. 
Bronzed  Grackle. 
See  No.  233. 

Head  and  throat,  yellow,    belly,  black    (male);  throat,  yellow, 
belly,  grayish  brown  (female).  Xanthocephalus  xanthocephalus. 

Yellow-headed  Blackbird. 
See  No.  225. 

Throat,  yellow;  belly,  yellow;  a  black  crescent  on  the  breast. 

Sturnella  magna,  and  races. 
Meadowlark. 
See  No.  227,  227a,  and  228. 


INDEX  TO  KEY. 

Family  FRINGILLID^.     Sparrows,  Finches, 
Crossbills,  Buntings,  etc. 

GROUP  i.     Wing,  1.75  to  2.13  inches  long.     See  page  192. 
GROUP  2.     Wing,  2.13  to  2.37  inches  long.     See  page  193. 

Part  i.     Breast,  more  or  less  streaked;    carpal  joint,  edged  with  yellow. 

See  page  193. 
Part  2.     Breast,   more  orVless  streaked;     carpal  joint,   not   yellow.     See 

page  193. 
Part  3.     Breast,    not    streaked;     carpal   joint,    edged    with    yellow.     See 

page  193. 
Part  4.     Breast,  not  streaked;   carpal  joint,  not  edged  with  yellow.     See 

page  194. 
GROUP  3.     Wing,  2.37  to  2.75  inches  long.     See  page  194. 

Part  i.     Throat  or  under  parts,  more  or  less  blue,  red,  dull  green,  or  bright 

yellow.     See  page  194. 
Part  2.     Throat  or  under  parts,  not  marked  with  red,  blue,  yellow,  or  green, 

breast,  distinctly  streaked;   carpal  joint,  edged  with  yellow.     See  page 

i95- 
Part  3.     Under  parts,  not  marked  with  red,  blue,  yellow,  or  green;    breast 

distinctly  streaked;  carpal  joint,  not  edged  with  yellow.     See  page  196. 
Part  4.     Under  parts,  not  marked  with  red,  blue,  yellow,  or  green;  breast; 

not  streaked;    bend  of  wing  (carpal  joint),  edged  with  yellow.      See 

page  197- 
Part  5.     Under  parts,  not  marked  with  red,  blue,  yellow,  or  green;    the 

breast,  not  distinctly  streaked,  and  no  yellow  on  bend  of  wing.     See 

page  198. 
GROUP  4.     Wing,  2.75  to  3.25  inches  long.     See  page  199. 

Part  i.     Throat  or  under  parts,  more  or  less  red,  blue,  green,  or  yellow 

See  page  199. 
Part  2.     No  blue,  red,  green,  or  yellow  on  the  under  parts;    more  or  less 

of  throat,  black  (sometimes  only  the  chin);    breast  and  sides,  not  dis- 
tinctly streaked.     See  page  202. 
Part  3.     No  blue,  red,  green,  or  yellow  on  the  under  parts;    throat  or  chin, 

not  black;  breast  or  sides,  not  distinctly  streaked;  tail  feathers,  marked 

with  more  or  less  white.     See  page  203. 
Part  4.     No  blue,  red,  green,  or  yellow  on  the  under  parts;   throat  or  chin, 

not  black;   breast  or  sides,  not  distinctly  streaked;   no  white  on  tail 

feathers.     See  page  204. 
Part  5.     No  red,  blue,  green,  or  yellow  on  the  under  parts;    throat,  more 

or  less  (sometimes  only  the  chin)  black;    breast   or   sides,    distinctly 

streaked.     See  page  206. 

190 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  191 

Part  6.     No  red,  blue,  green,  or  yellow  on  the  under  parts;    throat  or  chin, 

not  black;  breast,  distinctly  streaked  or  spotted.     See  page  207. 
GROUP  5.     Wing,  3.25  to  3.75  inches  long.     See  page  209. 

Part  i .     More  or  less  of  either  red,  blue,  yellow,  or  green  on  the  under  parts. 

See  page  209. 

Part  2.     No  red,  blue,  yellow,  or  green  on  the  under  parts.     See  page  211. 
GROUP  6.     Wing,  3.75  to  4.25  inches  long.     See  page  215. 

Part  i.     More  or  less  red  on  the  under  parts.     See  page  215. 

Part  2.     More  or  less  yellow,  orange,  or  green  on  the  under  parts.     See 

page  216. 

Part  3.     No  red,  yellow,  orange,  or  green  on  the  under  parts.     See  page  217. 
GROUP  7.     Wing,  4.25  to  4.75  inches  long.     See  page  219. 


Family  FRINGILLID/B.     Sparrows,  Finches, 
Crossbills,   etc. 

Primaries,  consisting  of  9  feathers;  first  primary,  not  short,  never 
less  than  two-thirds  as  long  as  second  or  third ;  bill,  stout  and  conical ; 
nostrils,  high,  near  the  culmen ;  tarsus,  flattened  behind. 

*  GROUP   1.      Wing,  1.75  to  2. [5  inches  long. 


Top  of  head,  blackish,  with  tawny  stripe  in 
middle,  and  tawny  stripe  over  each  eye;  tail 
usually  longer  than  wings. 

Coturniculus  leconteii. 
Leconte's  Sparrow. 
See  No.  252. 


Coturniculus  lecontei 


Passerherbulus  caudacutus  nelsoni. 

Top  of  head,  brownish  and  slate  color;   a  tawny  stripe  over  each 
eye;   no  tawny  stripe  on  middle  of  crown. 

Passerherbulus  caudacutus  nelsoni. 
Nelson's  Sharp-tailed  Sparrow. 
See  No.  253. 


Top  of  headland  nape,  pale  olive  green, 
mixed  with  black ;  no  tawny  stripe  over 
eye.  Coturniculus  henslowii. 

Henslow's  Sparrow. 

See  No.  251. 

*  For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 
192 


V 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


193 


GROUP  2.     Wing,  2.15  to  2.37  inches  long. 

PART  1.      The  following  species  have  the  breast  more  or  less  streaked; 
carpal  joint  (bend  of  wing),  edged  with  yellow:  — 


Bill,  dark;  sides  of  head,  tawny  buff 

enclosing  a  patch  of  gray  behind  the  eye ; 

heavy  tawny   buff   superciliary  stripe. 

Passerherbulus  caudacutus  nelsoni. 

Nelson's  Sharp-tailed  Sparrow. 

See  No.  253. 


Bill,  pale  horn  color;  sides  of  head  and  nape,  tinged  with  olive 
green.  Coturniculus  henslowii. 

Henslow's  Sparrow. 
See  No.  251. 

PART  2.     The  following  species'have  the  breast  more  or  less  streaked; 

carpal  joint  (bend  of  wing),  not  yellow:  — 

Breast,  very  faintly  streaked;  middle  tail  feathers,  rufous  brown, 
with  black  stripe  in  middle,  including  the  shaft;  wing  coverts  and 
secondaries,  edged  with  rufous  brown.  Melospiza  georgiana. 

Swamp  Sparrow. 
See  No.  269. 


Breast,     sharply     streaked     with 

black;     shafts   of   tail   feathers,    not 

black.  Melospiza  lincolnii. 

Lincoln's  Sparrow. 

See  No.  268. 


Melospiza  lincolnii. 


PART  3.     The   following  species  have  the  breast  not  streaked  (in  the 

adult*);  carpal  joint  (bend  of  wing),  edged  with  yellow:  — 
Top  of  head,  black  with  tawny  stripe  in  center;   an  orange  brown 
spot  over,  and  somewhat  in  front  of,  the  eye ;  bend  of  wing,  yellow. 

Coturniculus   savannarum  australis. 
Grasshopper  Sparrow.     Yellow-winged  Sparrow. 

See  No.  250. 

*  In  several  species,  very  young  birds  in  first  plumage  have  the  breast  streaked. 


iQ4     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Top  of  head  and  back,  rufous  brown  with  more  or  less  gray  on 
feathers;  sides,  without  spots;  tail  feathers,  narrow;  tail  much 
rounded,  the  outer  feathers  being  half  an  inch  or  more  shorter  than  the 
middle  feathers.  Aimophila  astivalis  bachmanii. 

Bachman's  Sparrow. 
See  No.  266. 

PART  4.      The   following  species  have  the  breast  not  streaked  (in  the 
adult);  carpal  joint  (bend  of  wing),  not  edged  with  yellow:  — 

Wing  coverts  and  secondaries,  edged  with  rufous  brown;  flanks, 
brownish  olive.  Melospiza  georgiana. 

Swamp  Sparrow. 
See  No.  269. 

Wing  coverts  and  secondaries,  edged  with  pale  tawny  buff;  tail 
feathers,  brown,  narrowly  edged  with  brownish  white;  flanks,  pale 
buffy  white.  .  Spizella  pallida. 

»  Clay-colored  Sparrow. 

See  No.  261. 


GROUP  3.     Wing,  2.37  to  2.75  inches  long. 


PART  1.      The   following  species  have  the  throat  or  under  parts  more 
or  less  marked  with  either  blue,  red,  dull  green,  or  bright  yellow:  — 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  195 

Under  parts,  entirely  yellow  (male),  or  throat,  yellow;  under  parts, 
dull  olive  gray  (female);  wings  and  tail,  black,  marked  with  white; 
yellow  on  under  parts  varies  much,  according  to  age  and  season. 

Astragalinus  tristis. 
American  Goldfinch.     Yellowbird. 
See  No.  242. 

Under  parts,  bright  red,  or  tinged  with  red;  back,  green;  crown, 
blue.  Passerina  ciris  (male}. 

Painted  Bunting.     Nonpareil. 

See  No.  277. 


Under  parts,  greenish;   back,  green. 


Passerina  ciris  (female } . 
Painted  Bunting. 

See  No.  277. 


Under    parts,  blue;    general    plumage, 

blue;'  wings  and  tail,  black,   edged  with 

blue.  Passerina  cyanea  (male}. 

Indigo  Bird.     Indigo  Bunting. 

See  No.  276. 


Under  parts,  more  or  less  blotched  with  blue. 

Passerina  cyanea  (immature}. 
Indigo  Bird. 
See  No.  276. 

PART  2.     The  following  species  have  the  under  parts  not  marked  with 

red,  blue,  yellow,  or  green;   breast,  distinctly  streaked;  carpa 

joint  (bend  of  wing),  edged  with  yellow:  — 


Sharp  tailed  Sparrow. 


196     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — -ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Breast  and  flanks,  tawny;  a  tawny  stripe  over  the  eye;  outer  tail 
feathers,  decidedly  shorter  than  middle  ones. 

Passer  her  bulus  caudacutus  nelsoni. 
Nelson's  Sharp-tailed  Sparrow. 

See  No.  253. 


Breast  and  flanks,  white  streaked  with  brown;  a  yellow  spot  in 
front  of  eye  (absent  in  some  plumages);  rump,  pale  brown,  marked 
with  dark  brown;  outer  tail  feathers,  not  shorter  than  middle  ones; 
under  tail  coverts,  white.  Passerculus  sandwichensis  savanna. 

Savanna  Sparrow. 
See  No.  249. 


PART  3.     The  following  species  have  the  under  parts  not  marked  with 

red,  blue,  yellow,  or  green;  breast,  distinctly  streaked;  carpal 

joint  (bend  of  wing),  not  edged  with  yellovtf  : — 

Forehead,  reddish  brown;  crown,  brown,  with  imperfect  gray 
streak  in  middle,  and  blackish  dots;  no  yellow  in  front  of  eye ;  breast, 
white,  heavily  streaked  with  dark  brown;  outer  tail  feathers,  shortest. 

Melospiza  melodia. 
Song  Sparrow. 
See  No.  267. 


Crown,  brown,  streaked  with 
black;  breast,  buff,  streaked  with 
black;  back,  streaked;  outer  tail 
feathers,  shortest. 

Melospiza  lincolnii. 
Lincoln's  Sparrow. 
See  No.  268. 


Crown,  black,  streaked  with  pale  brown ;  a  yellow  spot  in  front  of 
eye  (wanting  in  some  plumages);  breast,  white,  streaked  with  dark 
brown;  back,  streaked;  outer  tail  feathers,  not  shorter  than  middle 
ones.  Passerculus  sandwichensis  savanna. 

Savanna  Sparrow. 
See  No.  249. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


197 


Wings  and  tail,  dark  brown, 
more  or  less  margined  with  yellow ; 
the  bases  of  the  feathers,  pale 
yellow;  under  parts,  heavily 
streaked  with  brownish  black; 
crown  and  back,  brownish  olive, 
heavily  streaked  with  black. 

Spinus  pinus. 
Pine  Siskin. 
See  No.  243. 


Crown  and  back,  brown,  without  streaks;  under  parts,  pale  buff 
brown,  faintly  streaked  on  breast  and  sides. 

Passerina  cyanea  (female}. 
Indigo  Bunting. 
See  No.  276. 

PART  4.     The  following  species  have  the  under  parts  not  marked  with 

red,  blue,  yellow,  or  green,  and  the  breast   not  distinctly  streaked, 

but  have  the  carpal  joint  (bend  of  wing)  edged  with  yellow  :- — 

Crown,  black,  with  pale  tawny  buff  stripe  on  middle;  ear  coverts, 
tawny  buff;  middle  back,  blackish;  feathers,  edged  with  buff;  tail 
feathers,  very  pointed;  tail,  less  than  2.25  long. 

Coturniculus  savannarum  australis. 
Grasshopper  Sparrow.      Yellow-winged  Sparrow. 

See  No.  250. 


Crown,  grayish,  without  tawny  stripe 
in  middle;  ear  coverts,  gray;  back, 
olive  and  gray;  a  distinct  superciliary 
stripe  of  buff  or  yellowish. 

Passerherbulns  caudacutus  nelsoni. 
Nelson's  Sharp-tailed  Sparrow. 
See  No.  253. 


Crown  and  back,  rufous  brown,  the  feathers,  more  or  less  marked 
with  black,  and  edged  with  gray;  no  tawny  stripe  on  middle  of  crown; 


198     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

tail  feathers,  not  pointed;  tail,  over  2.25  long,  and  much  rounded, 
the  outer  feathers  half  an  inch  or  more  shorter  than  the  middle 
feathers.  Aimophila  czstivalis  bachmanii. 

Bachman's  Sparrow. 
See  No.  266. 


PART  5-      The  following  species  have  the  under  parts  not  marked  with 

red,  blue,  yellow,  or  green;  the  breast,  not  distinctly  streaked, 

and  no  yellow  on  the  carpus  (bend  ot  the  wing): — 

Crown  and  back,  the  same  color,  brown  without  streaks. 

Passerina  cyanea  (female ) . 
Indigo  Bunting. 

See  No.  276. 

Crown  and  back,  bright  olive  green,  without  streaks. 

Passerina  ciris  (female}. 
Painted  Bunting.     Nonpareil. 

See  No.  277. 

Back,  streaked  with  black;  rump,  olive  brown,  streaked  with 
black;  wing  coverts  and  secondaries,  broadly  edged  with  rufous 
brown;  sides  of  body,  clear  olive  brown;  middle  of  belly,  whitish. 

Melospiza  georgiana. 
Swamp  Sparrow. 
See  No.  269. 


Bill,  black  or  dark  brown ;  back,  streaked 
with  black;  rump,  slate  gray;  adult  birds 
have  the  crown  rufous. 

Spizella  passerina. 
Chipping  Sparrow. 
See  No.  260. 


Bill,  reddish  brown;  crown  and  back,  ru- 
fous brown;  back,  streaked  with  black;  rump, 
pale  grayish  brown.  Spizella  pusilla. 

Field  Sparrow. 
See  No.  262. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  — CORY. 


199 


Bill,  pale  brown  (not  reddish  brown ) ;  un- 
der parts,  dull  white  (not  grayish  on  sides  as 
in  the  Chipping  Sparrow ) ;  crown  and  back, 
pale  grayish  brown,  streaked  with  black; 
rump,  grayish  brown  (not  slate  gray  as  in  the 
Chipping  Sparrow).  Spizella  pallida. 

Clay-colored  Sparrow. 
See  No.  261. 


*  GROUP  4.     Wing,  2.75  to  3.25  inches  long. 

PART  1.      The  following  species  have  the  throat,  or  under  parts,  more 
or  less  red,  blue,  green,  or  yellow: — 


Mandibles,  crossed;   general  plumage,  dull  red;    wings,  brownish; 
no  white  on  wings  (male).  Loxia  curvirostra  minor. 

American  Crossbill. 
See  No.  238. 

Mandibles,  crossed;  no  white  on  wings;  under  parts,  greenish. 

Loxia  curvirostra  minor  (female}. 
American  Crossbill. 

See  No.  238. 

Mandibles,  crossed;  more  or  less  red  on  under  parts,  head,  and 
back;    wing  bars,  white.*  Loxia  leucoptera  (male}. 

White-winged  Crossbill. 
See  No.  239. 

*  For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 


200     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Mandibles,  crossed;  wing  bars,  white;  under  parts,  greenish. 

Loxia  leucoptera  (female ) . 
White-winged  Crossbill. 
See  No.  239. 

Mandibles,  not  crossed;  breast  and 
crown,  rose,red;  back,  brown,  tinged 
with  red;  chin,  not  black. 

Carpodacus  purpureus  (male ) . 
Purple  Finch. 
See  No.  236. 


Redpoll. 

Mandibles,  not  crossed;  chin,  blackish;  breast,  rose  red;  front 
crown,  metallic  red;  rump,  streaked.  Acanthis  linaria,  and  races. 

Redpoll. 
See  Nos.  241,  24ia. 

Mandibles,  not  crossed;  chin,  blackish;  under  part,  whitish, 
with  faint  tinge  of  pink  on  breast;  rump,  white,  without  streaks, 
sometimes  tinged  with  rose  color.  Acanthis  hornemannii  exilipes. 

Hoary  Redpoll. 

See  No.  240. 

Mandibles,  not  crossed;  under  parts,  yellow;  back,  yellow;  wings 
and  tail,  black,  marked  with  white.  Astragalinus  tristis  (male}. 

American  Goldfinch.     Yellowbird. 

See  No.  242. 

Mandibles,  not  crossed;  throat,  yellow;  rest  of  under  parts,  gray- 
ish olive;  tail  and  wings,  black,  marked  with  white. 

Astragalinus  tristis  (female}. 
American  Goldfinch.     Yellowbird. 
See  No.  242. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


Mandibles,    not    crossed;     chin,    white;     throat,    black;     breast, 
yellow;  belly,  white;  back,  streaked  with  black;   shoulder,  chestnut. 

Spiza  americana. 

Dickcissel.     Black-throated  Bunting. 
See  No.  278. 

Mandibles,  not  crossed;  under  parts,  red;  crown  and  sides  of  head, 
blue;  back,  green.  Passerina  ciris  (male}. 

Painted  Bunting.     Nonpareil. 

See  No.  277. 

Mandibles,  not  crossed;  under  parts,  tinged  with  red;  upper  parts, 
bright  olive  green;  no  white  on  wings  or  tail. 

Passerina  ciris  (young  male ) . 
Painted  Bunting. 
See  No.  277. 


Mandibles,    not   crossed;    under   parts,    greenish   yellow;    upper 
plumage,  bright  olive  green;  no  white  on  wings  or  tail. 

Passerina  ciris  (female ) . 
Painted  Bunting. 
See  No.  277. 


Mandibles,  not  crossed;  general  plumage, 

blue,  with  black  wings  and  tail,  edged  with 

blue.  Passerina  cyanea  (adult  male} . 

Indigo  Bunting.     Indigo  Bird. 

See  No.  276. 


202     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Mandibles,    not    crossed;     general    plumage,    brownish,    blotched 
with  blue.  Passer  ina  cyanea  (young  male). 

Indigo  Bunting.     Indigo  Bird. 
See  No.  276. 


PART  2.      The  following  species  have  no  red,  blue,  green,  or  yellow 

on  the  under  parts;  more  or  less  of  the  throat,  black  (sometimes 

only  the  chin);  breast  and  sides,  not  distinctly  streaked  : — 


Head,  back,  throat,  and  upper 
breast,  black;   sides  of  body,  ru- 
fous brown;  wings  and  tail,  black, 
marked  with  white;   bill,  dark. 
Pipilo  erythrophthalmus  (male ) . 
Towhee  Bunting. 
See  No.  271. 


' 

English  Sparrow  (male). 

Throat,  black;   crown,  gray;   malar  region,  white;   occiput,  chest- 
nut brown;  rump,  olive  gray;  bill,  black.     Passer  domesticus  (male). 

English  Sparrow.     House  Sparrow. 

See  No.  237. 

Chin,  black;    throat,  white,  slightly  tinged  with  tawny;    rest  of 
under  parts,  white;  crown,  fiery  red;  rump,  white,  not  streaked. 

Acanthis  hornemannii  exilipes. 
Hoary  Redpoll. 

See  No.  240. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  203 

Head,  face,  and  throat,  black;  tail,  grayish  brown;  bill,  pale  red; 
back,  brown,  streaked  with  black;  wing,  over  three  inches  long. 

Zonotrichia  querula. 
Harris's  Sparrow. 

See  No.  255. 


Head  and  throat,  slaty  gray;  belly, 

white;  back  and  rump,  grayish  brown; 

bill,    pale;    outer   tail   feather,    entirely 

white.  Junco  hyemalis. 

Slate-colored  Junco.       Snowbird. 

See  No.  263. 


PAR  T  3-      The  following  species  have  no  red,  blue,  green,  or  yellow, 

on  the  under  parts  ;  throat  or  chin,  not  black  ;  and  the  breast 

or  sides,  not  distinctly    streaked  ;   tail  feathers, 

marked  with  more  or  less  white  : — 


Throat,  grayish  brown;  sides  of  body,  deep  rufous  brown;  back, 
not  streaked;   belly,  white;   bill,  black.  Pipilo  erythrophthalmus . 

Towhee.     Towhee  Bunting. 

See  No.  271. 

Head  and  throat  slate  gray,  belly,  white;  back  and  rump,  grayish 
brown;    back,  not  streaked;  bill,  pinkish  white. 

Junco  hyemalis,  and  races. 
Slate-colored  Junco.     Snowbird. 
See  No.  263. 


204     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Resembles  common  Junco,  but  sides,  pinkish  brown;  head,  neck, 
and  chest,  slate  gray.  Junco  hyemalis  montanus. 

Montana  Junco. 
See  No.  264. 

Similar  to  last,  but  has  head,  neck,  and  chest,  black  or  blackish ; 
sides,  pinkish  brown.  Junco  oregonus  shufeldti. 

Shufeldt's  Junco. 
See  No.  265. 

Throat,  white ;  crown,  brown,  with  whitish  stripe  through  middle ; 
back,  streaked ;  tail  feathers,  broadly  tipped  with  white. 

Chondestes  grammacus. 
Lark  Sparrow. 

See  No.  254. 

Throat,  ashy  white;  belly,  white,  tinged  with  pale  buff  on  sides; 
crown,  bright  rufous;  tail  feathers,  very  narrowly  edged  with  white; 
upper  mandible,  blackish;  lower  mandible,  pale  yellowish  white, 
with  dark  tip ;  back,  streaked.  Spizella  monticola. 

Tree  Sparrow. 
See  No.  259. 

Throat  and  under  parts,  pale  buffy  white  or  ashy  white ;  crown  and 
back,  dull  brown;  back,  streaked  with  blackish;  tail,  very  narrowly 
edged  with  buffy  white;  bill,  reddish  brown;  rump,  brownish. 

Spizella  pusilla. 
Field  Sparrow. 
See  No.  262. 

Throat,  white;  crown,  rufous;  a  white  stripe  over  the  eye;  outer 
tail  feather,  very  narrowly  edged  with  whitish  on  inner  web;  bill, 
black;  back,  streaked;  rump,  slaty  gray.  Spizella  passerina. 

Chipping  Sparrow. 
See  No.  260. 

PART  4.     The  following  species  have  no  red,  blue,  green,  or  yellow 

on  the  under  parts  •,  throat  or  chin,  not  black,  and  the  breast 

or  sides,  not  distinctly  streaked;  no  white  on 

breast  or    the  tail  feathers  : — 

Crown,  green,  like  back;  throat  and  under  parts,  pale  buff;  back, 
green,  without  streaks.  Passerina  ciris  (immature ) . 

Painted  Bunting.     Nonpareil. 

See  No.  277. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


205 


Crown,   brown,  like   back ;  throat  and  under  parts,  pale   brown ; 

whitish    on    belly;     breast,    usually   with    indistinct    streaks;     back, 
brown,  without  streaks.  Passerina  cyanea  (female ) . 

Indigo  Bird.     Indigo  Bunting. 

See  No.  276. 

Crown,  black,  with  white  stripe  in  center;  stripe  over  eye,  white; 
usually  more  or  less  yellow  in  front  of  eye;  throat,  white;  breast, 
grayish;  carpal  joint  (bend  of  wing),  pale  yellow;  back,  streaked. 

Zonotrichia  albicollis. 
White-throated  Sparrow. 
See  No.  258. 


White-crowned  Sparrow. 

Crown,  black,  with  white  stripe  in  center;  no  yellow  in  front  of 
eye ;  no  distinct  white  patch  on  throat ;  carpal  joint  (bend  of  wing ) , 
not  yellow;  back,  streaked.  Zonotrichia  leucophrys. 

White-crowned  Sparrow. 

See  No.  256. 


Crown,  brown,  with  grayish  brown  center;  no  yellow  in  front 
of  eye;  nape,  gray;  bill,  reddish  brown;  back,  streaked;  wing  coverts, 
tipped  with  white.  Zonotrichia  leucophrys  (immature}. 

White-crowned  Sparrow. 

See  No.  256. 

Crown,  light  chestnut  brown  (streaked  with  black  in  young  birds ) ; 
rump,  slaty  gray;  bill,  black;  back,  streaked.  Young  birds  in  fall 
have  the  bill  brownish.  Spizella  passerina. 

Chipping  Sparrow. 

See  No.  260. 


206     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Crown,  rufous  brown;   rump,  pale  olive  brown;   upper  mandible, 
black;  under  mandible,  pale,  with  dark  tip;  back,  streaked. 

Spizella  monticola. 
Tree  Sparrow. 

See  No.  259. 

Crown,  black  and  white ;  no  yellow  on  crown  or  in  front  of  the  eye ; 
lores,  gray;  throat,  ash  gray;  edge  of  wing,  yellow.  Western  species 
of  possible  accidental  occurrence  within  our  limits. 

Zonotrichia  leucophrys  gambelii. 
Gambel's  Sparrow. 
See  No.  2$6a.. 

Crown,  pale  chestnut  brown;  rump,  olive  brown;  bill,  reddish 
brown;  back,  streaked.  Spizella  pusilla. 

Field  Sparrow. 
See  No.  262. 


PART  5.      The  following  species  have  no  red,  blue,  green,  or  yellow 

on  the  under  parts  ;  throat,  more  or  less  (sometimes  only  chin) 

black,  and  the  breast  or  sides  distinctly  streaked:  — 


A  black  spot  on  the  chin;  crown,  with  more  or  less  metallic  red; 
rump,  streaked;  bill,  yellowish,  with  dark  tip.  Common  on  Atlantic 
coast.  Acanthis  linaria,  and  races. 

Redpoll. 
See  Nos.  241,  24ia. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  207 

A  black  spot  on  the  chin ;  crown,  with  more  or  less  metallic  red ; 
rump,  white,  usually  without  streaks;  bill,  yellowish,  with  dark  tip; 
plumage,  much  whiter  than  linaria.  Rarely  occurs  south  of  Labrador. 

Acanthis  hornemannii  exilipes. 
Hoary  Redpoll. 
See  No.  240. 


PART   6.      The  following  species  have  no  red,  blue,  green,  or  yellow 

on   the  under  parts;   throat  or  chin,  not  black,  and  the 

breast,  distinctly   streaked  or  spotted  : — 


Savanna  Sparrow. 

Crown  feathers,  blackish,  narrowly  edged  with  light  brown ;    an 

imperfect  buff  white  line  through  center  of  crown;  tail,  usually  under 
2.20;  wing,  usually  under  2.90  (more  or  less  yellow  over  and  in  front 
of  eye  in  some  plumages ) ;  outer  tail  feathers,  not  shorter  than  middle 
ones;  a  black  streak  on  sides  of  upper  throat;  back,  streaked;  breast, 
streaked  with  dark  brown ;  outer  web  of  outer  tail  feather,  edged  with 
dull  white.  Passer culus  sandwichensis  savanna. 

Savanna  Sparrow. 
See  No.  249. 

Rump  and  upper  surface  of  tail  feathers,  rufous  brown. 

Passer ella  iliaca. 
Fox  Sparrow. 
See  No.  270. 


208     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Bill,  large;  depth  of  bill  at  base, 
about  equal  to  length  of  culmen;  crown 
and  back,  brownish  olive,  streaked  with 
^  blackish;  throat,  streaked  dark  olive 
brown,  not  black;  middle  tail  feathers, 
shorter  than  outer  feathers. 

Carppdacus  purpureus  (female ) . 
Purple  Finch. 
See  No.  236. 


with  more  or  less  rufous  brown) 


Outer  tail  feathers,  decidedly  shorter 
than  middle  ones ;  crown,  dull  rufous 
brown,  streaked  with  black  and  show- 
ing a  grayish  stripe  in  the  center; 
under  parts,  white;  the  breast,  heavily 
streaked  with  black;  carpal  joint,  not 
edged  with  yellow;  outer  tail  feathers, 
not  half  white  (the  breast  and  sides, 
often  faintly  tinged  with  tawny  and 
black  striping  on  breast,  often  mixed 
;  back,  streaked.  Melospiza  melodia. 
Song  Sparrow. 
See  No.  267. 


Vesper  Sparrow. 

Shoulder    (lesser  wing  coverts),  rufous  brown;    at  least  half  of 
outer  tail  feathers,  white ;  back,  streaked.  Pocecetes  gramineus. 

Vesper  Sparrow. 
See  No.  248. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


209 


Back,  tinged  with  rufous  brown, 
and  streaked  with  black;  carpal 
joint  (bend  of  wing),  edged  with 
-  pale  yellow;  tail,  over  2.50;  usually 
an  indication  of  yellow  in  front  of  the 
eye;  no  white  on  tail  feathers. 

Zonotrichia  albicollis. 
White-throated  Sparrow. 
See  No.  258. 

Bill,  sharp;  tail,  under  2  inches;  entire  upper  plumage,  olive  buff, 
streaked  with  black;  under  plumage,  buffy  white,  or  ashy  white, 
heavily  streaked  with  black;  more  or  less  yellow  on  edge  and  base  of 
wing  feathers,  and  base  of  tail  feathers.  Spinus  pinus. 

Pine  Siskin.     Pine  Finch. 
See  No.  243. 

Crown  and  back,  dull  brown,  without  streaks ;  under  parts,  brown- 
ish, whitish  on  belly;  breast  streaks,  not  very  pronounced,  often 
ndistinct  (female).  Passer ina,  cyanea. 

Indigo  Bird.     Indigo  Bunting. 

See  No.  276. 

GROUP  5.     Wing,  3.25  to  3.75  inches  long. 
PART   1.      The  following  species  have  more  or  less  of  either  red,  blue, 
yellow,  or  green  on  the  under  parts*: — 


*  If  a  bird  is  red  or  oliye  green,  with  wing  measuring  between  3.35  and  4  inches  long  (carpus  to 
tip)  and  cannot  be  found  in  this  section,  see  Family  Tangaridae.  The  bill  of  a  Tanager  somewhat 
resembles  that  of  a  Finch. 


210     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

General  plumage,  red;   crown  and  under  parts,  bright  red;  crown, 
with  crest;    throat,  black;   wings,  not  black   (male). 

Cardinalis  cardinalis. 
Cardinal  Grosbeak. 
See  No.  273. 

General  plumage,  red;    back,  streaked;    belly,  whitish    (male).- 

Carpodacus  purpureus. 
Purple  Finch. 
See  No.  236. 

Crown,  rump,  and  under  parts,  rose  red;  more  or  less  white  on 
wing ;    mandibles,  crossed.  Loxia  leucoptera  (male} . 

White-winged  Crossbill. 
See  No.  239. 


Crown,    rump,    and    greater   part 

of  under  plumage,  dull  red;   no  white 

on    the    wing;     mandibles,    crossed. 

Loxia  curvirostra  minor  (male ) . 

American  Crossbill. 

See  No.  238. 


Wings,  with  more  or  less  white;  general  plumage,  grayish  olive, 
or  olive  green,  more  or  less  strongly  tinged  with  yellowish  green  on 
rump ;  mandibles,  crossed.  Loxia  leucoptera  (female ) . 

White-winged  Crossbill. 

See  No.  239. 

Under  parts,  tinged  with  green,  or  olive  green;  yellowish  green 
on  rump;  no  white  on  wings;  mandibles,  crossed. 

Loxia  curvirostra  minor  (female). 
American  Crossbill. 

See  No.  238. 

Crown,  olive  gray;  chin,  white;  throat,  black;  breast,  yellow; 
belly,  white;  shoulder  (wing  coverts),  chestnut  brown;  back, 
streaked  with  black;  more  or  less  yellow  over  the  eye. 

Spiza  americana. 

Dickcissel.     Black-throated  Bunting. 
See  No.  278. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  211 

Under  parts,  dull  buffy  yellow;  more  or  less  black  streaks  on  sides 
crown,  blackish,  with  tawny  buff  stripe  through  center;  back,  heavily 
streaked  with  black;   tail  feathers,  very  pointed.      (This  bird  belongs 
in  Section  8,  as  it  is  not  a  Tanager  or  a  Finch,  but  the  bill  might  appear 
Fringilline  to  beginners. )  Dolichonyx  oryzivorus  (female). 

Bobolink. 
See  No.  223. 


Blue  Grosbeak. 

General  plumage,  more  or  less  blue.  Guiraca  carulea. 

Blue  Grosbeak. 

See  No.  275. 

Under  parts,   brownish   white,    tinged   with   blue  on  the  breast; 

head,  rump,  and  lesser  wing  coverts,  usually  tinged  with  blue. 

Guiraca  coerulea  (female.) 
Blue  Grosbeak. 
See  No.  275. 

PART  2.      The  following  species  have  no  red,  blue,  yellow,  or  green 
on  the  under  parts  : — 

Under  parts,  brownish  white;  crown  and  back,  brownish  gray, 
usually  tinged  with  more  or  less  blue  on  the  head,  rump,  and  lesser 
wing  coverts;  middle  wing  coverts,  edged  with  rufous  brown. 

Guiraca  ccerulea  (immature ) . 
Blue  Grosbeak. 
See  No.  275, 


212     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY. — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Towhee  Bunting. 

Crown  and  back,  black;  throat,  black;  sides  of  body,  rufous 
brown;  belly,  white.  Pipilo  erythrophthalmus  (male). 

Towhee  Bunting. 

See  No.  271. 

Head  and  entire  under  parts,  black;  a  tawny  white  patch  on  the 
back  of  the  neck;  back,  black;  rump,  whitish.  (This  species  belongs 
in  the  family  Icteridae  (see  Section  8 ) ,  but  to  the  uninitiated  the  bill 
has  a  slight  resemblance  to  birds  in  this  class.)  Dolichonyx  oryzivorus. 

Bobolink. 
See  No.  223. 

Crown,  black,  mixed  with  buffy  white;  a  nuchal  collar  (back  of 
neck),  chestnut;  back,  streaked;  breast,  more  or  less  marked  with 
black;  belly,  white;  hind  toe  nail,  long;  an  oblique  white  patch  on 
outer  tail  feather.  Calcarius  lapponicus. 

Lapland  Longspur. 
See  No.  245. 


Top  and  sides  of  the  head,  black  (in  sum- 
mer); ear  coverts  and  superciliary  stripe, 
white;  back,  streaked;  under  parts,  buff;  hind 
toe  nail,  long;  in  winter  without  black  head, 
and  markings  different,  but  the  tawny  buff 
under  parts  will  distinguish  it  from  the  other 
Longspurs.  Calcarius  pictus. 

Smith's  Longspur. 
See  No.  246. 


Smith's  Longspur. 


AN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


213 


Top  of  head,  black;  wing  coverts,  heavily 

marked  with  chestnut ;  throat  and  belly,  white  ; 

a  large  patch  of  black  on  the  breast ;  most  of 

the   tail   feathers,    white,    tipped   with   dark 

brown.  Rhynchophanes  mccownii. 

McCown's  Longspur. 

See  No.  247. 


McCown's  Longspur. 


Lark  Sparrow. 


Crown,  chestnut,  with  stripe  of  white  in  center  (male),  or  dull  olive, 
streaked  with  blackish  (female);  back,  streaked;  under  parts,  white 
(pale  brownish  olive  on  sides  of  body) ;  a  short  streak  of  dark  brown 
or  black  on  each  side  of  white  throat;  tail  feathers,  tipped  with  white. 

Chondestes  grammacus. 
Lark  Sparrow.     Lark  Finch. 
See  No.  254. 

Head,  face,  and  throat,  black;  tail,  grayish  brown;  bill,  pale  red; 
back,  brown,  streaked  with  black;  wing,  about  3.35. 

Zonotrichia  querula. 
Harris's  Sparrow. 

See  No.  255. 


214     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Crown,  black,  with  white  stripe  in  middle;  under  parts,  ashy, 
shading  to  pale  buff  on  the  flanks;  no  white  on  tail  feathers;  no 
yellow  in  front  of  eye,  or  on  bend  of  wing.  Zonotrichia  leucophrys. 

White-crowned  Sparrow. 
See  No.  256. 


Crown  and  back,  grayish  or  buffy,  streaked 
with  black;  shoulder  (lesser  wing  coverts), 
rufous  brown;  breast,  streaked;  greater  part 
of  outer  tail  feather,  including  outer  web, 
white.  Pocecetes  gramineus. 

Vesper  Sparrow.  Bay-winged  Bunting. 
See  No.  248. 


Crown  and  back,  slaty  brown,  or 
dull  rufous  brown ;  rump,  and  upper 
surface  of  tail  feathers,  light  rufous 
brown;  under  parts,  white,  heavily 
streaked  and  spotted  on  breast  and 
sides  with  rufous  brown. 

Passerella  iliaca. 
Fox  Sparrow. 
See  No.  270. 


Crown  and  back,  dark  brown,  with  indistinct  streaks;  no  white 
on  tail;  under  parts,  white,  with  numerous  brown  spots  or  streaks 
(female) ;  middle  tail  feathers,  shorter  than  outer  feathers. 

Carpodacus  purpureus. 
Purple  Finch. 
See  No.  236. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


2I5 


Crown,  with  crest  of  red  feathers ;  back,  olive;  under  parts,  tawny, 
shading  to  olive  on  the  sides ;  under  surface  of  wing,  red  (female ) . 

Cardinalis  cardinalis . 
Cardinal  Grosbeak. 

See  No.  273. 

Crown,  with  fiery  red  patch;    a  black  spot  on  the  chin;    belly, 
white;    rump,  white.  Acanthis  hornemannii  exilipes. 

Hoary  Redpoll. 

See  No.  240. 


GROUP  6.      Wing,  3.75  to  4.25  inches  long. 

PART   1.      The    following    species     have    more    or    less    red    on 
under  parts*: — 


the 


General  plumage,  rose  red,  usu- 
ally mixed  with  more  or  less  gray ; 

wing  coverts,  edged  with  pinkish 
white. 

Pinicola  enucleator  leucura. 
Pine  Grosbeak. 
See  No.  235. 


Pine  Grosbeak. 


Throat  and  base  of  bill,  black;  general  plumage,  red;   crown,  with 
more  or  less  of  a  crest :  wings  and  tail,  not  black  (male ) . 

Cardinalis  cardinalis. 
Cardinal  Grosbeak. 

See  No.  273. 


*  If  bird  is  red  or  olive  green,  with  wing  between  3.35  and  4  inches  long  (bend  of  wing  to  tip), 
see  Family  Tanagridse.     The  bill  of  a  Tanager  somewhat  resembles  that  of  a  Finch.  J- 


216     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Head  and  back,  black ;  breast  and  under  wing  coverts,  rose  red; 
belly,  white  (male).  Zamelodia  ludoviciana. 

Rose-breasted  Grosbeak. 

See  No.  274. 

PART  2.     The  following  species  have    more  or  less  yellow,  orange,  or 
green  on  the  under  parts:  — 

Forehead,  yellow ;  crown,  black ; 

rump,    greenish    yellow;     tertials, 
heavily  marked  with  white;  under 
parts,  dark  olive  yellow  on  belly. 
Hesperiphona  vespertina  (male). 
Evening  Grosbeak. 

See  No.  234. 

Under     parts,      gray,     faintly 
tinged  with  greenish  yellow ;  back, 
gray,    more    or    less    tinged    with 
green;     wings     and     tail,     black, 
marked  with  white. 
Hesperiphona  vespertina  female). 
Evening  Grosbeak. 
See  No.  234. 

Under  parts,  pale  tawny  yellow,  more  or  less  streaked  with  black 
on  sides  of  body;  crown,  black,  with  brownish  buff  stripe  in  center; 
tail  feathers,  sharp  pointed.  (This  species  belongs  in  Family  Icteridse, 
but  might  be  looked  for  under  this  section.) 

Dolichonyx  oryzivoms  (female). 
Bobolink. 
See  No.  223. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


217 


PART   3-       The  following  species  have  no  red,  yellow,  orange,  or  green 
on  the  under  parts  : — 


Under  parts,  gray;  upper  parts,  gray,  tinged 
with  green;  wings  and  tail,  black,  heavily  marked 
with  white;  bill,  yellowish. 

Hesperiphona  vespertina  (female}. 
Evening  Grosbeak. 
See  No.  234. 


General  plumage,  gray;  crown 
and  rump,  tinged  with  yellowish 
green;  bill,  dark;  no  white  on 
tail  feathers;  wing  coverts  and 
tertials,  edged  with  white. 
Pinicola  enucleator  leucura 

(female} . 
Pine  Grosbeak. 
See  No.  235. 


Crown,  brownish  black,  with  whitish  streak  in 
center;  under  wing  coverts,  orange  yellow;  breast, 
streaked  with  dark  brown. 

Zamelodia  ludoviciana  ( female ) . 
Rose-breasted  Grosbeak. 
See  No.  274. 


Head  and  entire  under  parts,  black;  back  of  neck,  tawny  buff; 
back,  black,  mixed  with  buff;  rump,  gray;  tail  feathers,  very  pointed. 

[This  species  belongs  in  Family  Icteridae   (Section  9),  but  might  be 
looked  for  under  this  section.]  Dolichonyx  oryzivorus  (male}. 

Bobolink. 
See  No.  223. 


Head  and  throat,  dull  chocolate  brown;  rest  of  plumage,  greenish 
black;  no  white  on  wings  or  tail.  (See  Section  9,  Family  Icteridae, 
where  it  belongs.)  Molothrus  ater  (male}. 

Cowbird. 

See  No.  224. 


2i8     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

General  plumage,  brownish  gray;  no  white  on  wing  coverts  or  tail 
feathers.  (This  species  belongs  in  Family  Icteridae,  but  the  bill  is 
somewhat  Finch-like  in  appearance,  and  the  bird  might  be  looked  for 
under  this  section. )  Molothrus  ater  (female}. 

Cowbird. 
See  No.  224. 

Head,  with  crest;  breast,  grayish  buff  or  light  tawny;  back, 
olive  gray,  without  streaks;  rump  and  upper  surface  of  tail,  not 
rufous  brown.  Cardinalis  cardinalis  (female). 

Cardinal  Grosbeak.     Cardinal. 
See  No.  273. 

Crown,  brown,  with  white  stripe  in  middle ;  a  black  stripe  on  each 
side  of  throat;  under  parts,  soiled  white;  tail  feathers,  broadly  tipped 
with  white;  rump  and  upper  surface  of  tail,  not  rufous  brown. 

Chondestes  grammacus. 
Lark  Sparrow.     Lark  Finch. 
See  No.  254. 

Rump  and  upper  surface  of  tail  feathers,  rufous  brown ;  under  parts, 
white,  more  or  less  spotted  or  streaked  with  brown.  Passerella  iliaca. 

Fox  Sparrow. 

See  No.  270. 

Entire  head  and  back,  brown  (female)  or  black  (male);  belly, 
white;  sides  of  body,  bright,  rufous  brown.  Pipilo  erythrophthalmus. 

Towhee  Bunting. 
See  No.  271. 


Snow  Bunting. 
Summer  Plumage. 

Under  parts,  white,  often  tinged  with  light  brown  on  the  breast ; 
greater  part  of  outer  tail  feathers,  white ;  a  large  white  patch  on  wing ; 
back  rusty  brown  (not  black)  in  winter.  Plectrophenax  nivalis. 

Snowflake.     Snow  Bunting. 
See  No.  244. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


219 


GROUP  7.     Wing,  4.25  to  4.75  inches  long. 

First  primary,  not  short,  never  less  than  two-thirds  as  long  as 
second  or  third ;  bill,  stout  and  conical ;  nostrils,  high,  near  the  cul- 
men ;  primaries,  nine ;  tarsus,  flattened  behind. 


Evening  Grosbeak  (male). 

Throat,  brownish  olive,  shading  to  yellowish  green  on  the  belly; 

wing,  black,  with  patch  of  white;  bill,  yellowish;  forehead,  yellow; 
crown,  black  (male);  forehead  and  crown,  grayish  (female). 

Hesperiphona  vespertina. 
Evening  Grosbeak. 
See  No.  234. 

General  plumage  of  body,  rose 
red,  more  or  less  mixed  with  gray; 
tail,  dark  brown;  wings,  brown, 
the  coverts  and  tertials,  edged 
with  white. 

Pinicola  enucleator  leucura  (male). 
Pine  Grosbeak. 
See  No.  235. 

General  plumage,  gray ;  the  crown  and  rump,  tinged  with  yellow- 
ish olive;  wings,  dark  brown;  the  coverts  and  secondaries,  edged 
with  whije.  Pinicola  enucleator  leucura  (female}. 

Pine  Grosbeak. 
See  No.  235. 


220     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — -ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Under  parts,  white ;  breast,  usually  more  or  less  tinged  with  pale 
brown  in  winter;  greater  part  of  outer  tail  feathers,  white;  back 
and  crown,  rusty  brown,  a  large  part  of  the  wings  white,  very  con- 
spicuous when  flying.  .  Plectrophenax  nivalis. 

Snowflake.     Snow  Bunting. 

See  No.  244. 

Head,  chocolate  brown ;  rest  of  plumage,  greenish  black  (male) ; 
general  plumage,  gray,  palest  on  the  throat;  no  white  on  wing  coverts; 
crown  and  rump,  like  back  (female).  (This  species  belongs  in 
Section  10,  under  Family  Icteridae,  but  might  be  looked  for  under 
this  family  by  mistake.)  Molothrus  ater. 

Cowbird. 
See  No.  224. 


Family   TANGARID^.      Tanagers. 


Bill,  somewhat  fringilline,  but  having  a  small 
"tooth"  near  the  middle  of  the  edge  of  upper  mandible; 
primaries,  9;  tarsus,  scutellate ;  males,  bright  colored. 


GROUP   1.      Wing,  3.25  to  4.25  inches  long. 

PART  1.      The  following  species  have  more  or  less  of  either  red,  blue, 
yellow,  or  green  on  the  under  parts: — 


Louisiana  Tanager. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


Head  and  throat,  orange  red;  bright  red  on  crown;  rest  of  under 
parts,  bright  yellow;  back,  wings,  and  tail,  black;  rump,  yellow 
(male ) .  Piranga  ludoviciana. 

Louisiana  Tanager. 
See  No.  279. 


General  plumage,  scarlet  red;    wings 

and     tail,     black;     throat,     not     black 

(male ) .  Piranga  erythromelas . 

Scarlet  Tanager. 

See  No.  280. 


General  plumage,  red;  no  black  on  throat;  wings  and  tail,  not 
black;  back,  not  streaked;  belly,  not  whitish  (male).  Piranga  rubra. 

Summer  Tanager 

See  No.  281. 

Under  parts,  yellowish  green,  or  greenish  yellow;  back,  grayish; 
greater  wing  coverts  and  tertials,  edged  with  dull  white,  or  yellowish 
white;  mandibles,  not  crossed  (female).  Piranga  ludoviciana. 

Louisiana  Tanager. 
See  No.  279. 

Under  parts,  yellowish  green,  or  greenish  yellow;  back,  light  olive 
green;  no  white  on  wing  coverts;  wings  and  tail,  fuscous  brown  (fe- 
male ) ;  wings  and  tail,  black  (young  male ) ;  inner  webs  of  inner 
primaries  and  secondaries,  edged  with  white;  mandibles,  not  crossed 
(female ) .  Piranga  erythromelas. 

Scarlet  Tanager. 
See  No.  280., 

No  white  on  wing  coverts;  under  parts,  pale  orange  yellow;  upper 
parts,  olive  green,  with  faint  tinge  of  orange;  mandibles,  not  crossed 
(female).  Piranga  rubra. 

Summer  Tanager. 
See  No.  281. 

Under  parts,  bright  yellow;  throat,  reddish  orange;  crown  and 
sides  of  head,  orange  red;  back,  wings,  and  tail,  black;  rump,  yellow 
(male).  Piranga  ludoviciana. 

Louisiana  Tanager. 
See  No.  279. 


222     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Family    HIRUNDINID^.      Swallows. 

Bill,  small  and  flattened,  somewhat  triangular  in  shape ;  gape,  very 
wide;  wings,  long,  usually  extending  beyond  the  tail. 


*  GROUP  1.     Wing,  3.25  to  4.75  inches  long. 


Throat  and  belly,  white;   a  distinct  band  of  grayish  brown  on  the 
breast;   upper  plumage,  brownish  gray.  Riparia  riparia, 

Bank  Swallow. 

See  No.  287. 


Under  parts,  brownish  gray,  gradually 
shading  into  whitish  on  the  belly;  upper 
s,     parts,  grayish  brown;   no  distinct  breast 
band.  ,     Stelgidopteryx  serripennis. 

Rough-winged  Swallow. 
See  No.  288. 

For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


223 


Upper  plumage,  rich  green,  showing  more  or  less  purple  on  upper 
tail  coverts;  under  parts,  white;  western  species,  only  once  taken  in 
Illinois.  Tachycineta  thalassina  lepida. 

Northern  Violet-green  Swallow. 
See  No.  286. 


Tree  Swallow. 

Entire   under  parts,   white ;  upper  plumage,   metallic   steel   blue ; 

young  birds  have  the  upper  plumage  brownish  gray,  but  the  under 
plumage  is  pure  white.  Iridoprocne  bicolor. 

Tree  Swallow.     White-bellied  Swallow. 
See  No.  285. 


Upper  throat  and  sides  of  the  head, 
chestnut  brown;  belly,  whitish;  forehead, 
whitish;  crown  and  back,  dark  steel  blue; 
upper  tail  coverts,  pale  rufous  brown. 

Petrochelidon  lunifrons. 
Cliff  Swallow. 
See  No.  283. 


Throat,  chestnut;  belly,  pale  brown; 
entire  upper  plumage,  steel  blue;  tail 
forked;  upper  tail  coverts,  steel  blue. 

Hirundo  erythrogastra. 
Barn  Swallow. 
See  No.  284. 


224     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


GROUP  2.     Wing,  4.75  to  5.50  inches  long. 

IP=_ 

Ifc 


Male:  General  plumage  (including  belly),  bluish  black,  or  dark 
steel  blue. 

Female:  Back,  like  male;  under  parts,  grayish  brown,  shading 
into  dull  white  on  the  belly.  Immature  birds  have  the  upper  plumage, 
brownish;  under  parts,  brownish  on  the  breast;  dull  white  on  the 
belly.  Progne  subis. 

Purple  Martin. 
See  No.  282. 

Back,  steel  blue;  belly,  white.  Iridoprocne  bicolor. 

Tree  Swallow.     White-bellied  Swallow. 
See  No.  285. 


Back,  steel  blue;  under  parts,  cinnamon  brown;    tail,  very  deeply 
forked.  Hirundo  erythrogastra. 

Barn  Swallow. 
See  No.  284. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


225 


General    plumage,    sooty    brown, 

showing  a  faint  greenish  tinge  on  the 
upper  parts;  throat,  ashy  white; 
tail  feathers,  with  sharp  spines,  or 
points  formed  by  the  shafts  of  the 
feathers,  extending  beyond  the  webs. 
The  Swifts  belong  to  the  family 
Micropodidae  and  are  widely  sepa- 
rated generically  from  the  Swallows; 
but  persons  unfamiliar  with  birds  might  look  for  them  under  the 
same  family.  Ch&tura  pelagica. 

Chimney  Swift. 
See  No.  201. 


Waxwings  and 


Family    BOMBYCILLID^. 
Cedar    Birds. 

Bill,  without  notch;  head,  with  crest;  primaries,  ten;  tarsus, 
shorter  than  middle  toe  and  claw ;  a  black  stripe  from  forehead  through 
the  eye ;  inner  primaries  and  tail  feathers,  often  tipped  with  little  hard 
red  bits,  like  minute  drops  of  sealing  wax. 


226     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Upper  parts,  grayish  brown;  crown  and  breast,  pale  chocolate 
brown;  a  black  streak  in  front  of  eye;  tail,  tipped  with  yellow;  belly, 
yellowish;  wing,  less  than  4.20  inches  long;  under  tail  coverts,  white. 

Bombycilla  cedrorum, 

Cedar  Waxwing.     Cedar  Bird.     Cherry  Bird. 
See  No.  290. 


General  plumage,  pale  choc- 
olate brown;  forehead,  tinged 
with  rufous;  chin, 'black;  under 
tail  coverts,  rufous;  tail,  tipped 
with  yellow;  wing,  over  4.20 
inches  long. 

Bombycilla  garrula. 
Bohemian  Waxwing. 
See  No.  289. 


Family   LANIID^.      Shrikes. 

Bill,  strong,  notched  near  the  end,  and  decidedly  hooked;  tarsus, 
scutellate ;  tail  rounded.  But  two  species  occur  with  us,  both  grayish 
birds  with  blackish  wings  and  tail  and  a  stripe  through  the  eye. 


Crown  and  back,  gray;  under 
parts,  white;  a  patch  of  black  on 
the  sides  of  the  head;  wing,  less 
than  4.15  inches  long. 

Lanius  ludovicianus . 
Loggerhead  Shrike. 
See  No.  292. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  227 


< 


Northern  Shrike. 


Upper  plumage,  ash  gray  or  gray  tinged  with  buff;  under  parts, 
ashy  white,  the  feathers  showing  numerous  faint  narrow  black  bars ; 
a  black  streak  from  bill  through  the  eye;  wing,  more  than  4.15  inches 
long.  Lanius  borealis. 

Northern  Shrike. 
See  No.  291. 


Family    VIREONID^.      Vireos. 

Upper  mandible,  with  very  small  hook  at  tip;  first  primary,  very 
short  in  some  species,  in  others  nearly  as  long  as  second ;  toes,  joined 
at  base;  tarsus,  flattened  and  sharp  behind,  not  rounded  as  in  front; 
plain  colored  birds,  usually  greenish  or  grayish,  but  often  showing  a 
faint  wash  of  yellow  on  under  parts;  tail,  always  without  white  spots. 

GROUP  1.     Wing,  less  than  2.37  inches  long. 

Crown,  grayish;  orbital  ring,  dull  white ;  no  yellow  in  front  of  eye. 

Vireo  bellii, 
Bell's  Vireo. 
See  No.  299. 


228     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


\:  Crown,  grayish,  often  tinged  with  olive;    orbital  ring  and  lores, 
yellow.  Vireo  griseus. 

White-eyed  Vireo. 

See  No.  298. 


White-eyed  Vireo. 

GROUP  2.     Wing,  from  2.37  to  2.75  inches  long. 

First  primary,  very  short;  lores  and  eye  ring,  whitish;  throat, 
whitish;  breast  and  sides,  faintly  tinged  with  yellow;  no  wing  bars; 
crown,  nearly  the~same  color  as  back.  Vireosylva  gilva. 

Warbling  Vireo. 
See  No.  295. 


First  primary,  short,  but  longer  than 
in  V.  gilva;  lores  and  eye  ring,  yellow; 

back,  olive;    wing  coverts,  edged  with 
white,  forming  wing  bars. 

Vireo  griseus. 
White-eyed  Vireo. 
See  No.  298. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


229 


First  primary,  not  short  (at  least  as  long  as  fifth);  lores  and  eye 
ring,  dull  white;  under  parts,  washed  with  very  pale  greenish  yellow; 
no  wing  bars.  Vireosylva  philadelphica. 

Philadelphia  Vireo. 

See  No.  294. 

GROUP  3.      Wing,  from  2.75  to  3.25  inches  long. 

Bill,  with  small  but  distinct  hook ;  no  streaks  on  back  or  breast ; 
breast  or  throat,  never  spotted. 


First  primary,  not  shorter  than  fourth;  back  and  rump,  olive; 
crown,  plumbeous  gray,  or  bluish  gray;  no  dusky  streak  from  base  of 
bill  on  sides  of  throat ;  under  parts,  white,  tinged  with  pale  yellowish 
green  on  sides  of  body.  Vireosylva  olivacea. 

Red-eyed  Vireo. 
See  No.  293. 

First  primary,  very  short  and  narrow;  crown  and  back,  grayish 
olive;  under  parts,  dull  white,  faintly  tinged  with  olive,  or  yellowish 
on  sides;  no  white  wing  bars.  Vireosylva  gilva. 

Warbling  Vireo. 
See  No.  295. 

First  primary,  short;  crown,  gray; 
back,  olive;  rump,  olive  green;  throat 
and  belly,  white;  sides  of  body,  green- 
ish yellow;  lores,  white;  sides  of  head, 
gray;  wing  bars,  white. 

Lanivireo  solitarius. 
Blue-headed  Vireo.     Solitary  Vireo. 
See  No.  297. 


230     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

First  primary,  not  short;  lores  and  eye  ring,  yellow;  throat  and 
breast,  yellow;  belly,  white;  wing  bars,  white.  Lanivireo  flavifrons. 

Yellow-throated  Vireo. 

See  No.  296. 

First  primary,  equal  to  fifth;  lores  and  orbital  ring,  dull  white; 
upper  plumage,  light  olive,  tinged  with  ashy  on  the  crown ;  under  parts, 
washed  with  very  pale  yellow;  no  white  wing  bars. 

Vireosylva  philadelphica. 
Philadelphia  Vireo. 
See  No.  294. 


INDEX  TO   KEY. 
Family   MNIOTILTID^.      Warblers. 

GROUP  i.     Wing,  less  than  2.37  inches  long.     See  page  234. 

Part  i.     Throat,  breast,  and  belly,  yellow;    breast,  more  or  less  streaked; 

some  tail  feathers,  marked  with  white.     See  page  234. 
Part  2.     Throat,  breast,  and  belly,  yellow;    breast  more  or  less  streaked; 

no  white  on  tail  feathers.     See  page  235. 
Part  3.     Throat,  breast,   and  belly,  yellow    without  streaks;     some  tail 

feathers,  marked  with  white.     See  page  235. 
Part  4.     Throat,  breast,  and  belly,  yellow,  without  streaks;    no  white  on 

tail  feathers.     See  page  235. 
Part  5.     Throat,  yellow;    belly,  not  yellow;    tail  feathers,  marked  with 

more  or  less  white.     See  page  236. 
Part  6.     Throat,  yellow;     belly,  not  yellow;     no   white  on   tail  feathers. 

See  page  237. 
Part  7.     Throat,   not  yellow;    belly,  yellow;    no  white  on  tail  feathers. 

See  page  237. 
Part  8.     No  yellow  on  throat  or  belly;    no  white  on  tail  feathers.     See 

page  237. 
Part  9.     No  yellow  on  throat  or  belly;   more  or  less  white  on  tail  feathers. 

See  page  238. 
GROUP  2.     Wing,  2.37  to  2.75  inches  long.     See  page  239. 

Part  i.     Throat,  breast,  and  belly,  yellow;    breast,  more  or  less  streaked; 

some  tail  feathers  marked  with  more  or  less  white.     See  page  239. 
Part  2.     Throat,  breast,  and  belly,  yellow;    breast,  more  or  less  streaked; 

no  white  on  tail  feathers.     See  page  241. 
Part  3.     Throat,   breast,  and   belly,  yellow,  without  streaks;     some   tail 

feathers  marked  with  more  or  less  white.     See  page  241. 
Part  4.     Throat,  breast,  and  belly,  without  streaks;    no  white  on  the  tail 

feathers.     See  page  ^42. 
Part  5.     Throat,  yellow;    belly,   not  yellow;     tail  feathers  marked  with 

more  or  less  white.     See  page  244. 
Part  6.     Throat,  not  yellow;    belly,  yellow;    no  white  on  tail  feathers. 

See  page  245. 
Part  7.     Throat,  not  yellow;    belly,  yellow;    more  or  less  white  on  the  tail 

feathers.     See  page  246. 
Part  8.     Throat,   not  yellow;     belly,  not  yellow;     no  white  on  the  tail 

feathers;    breast,  streaked  or  spotted  with  black  or  dark  brown.     See 

page  247. 
Part  9.     Throat,   not   yellow;     belly,  not  yellow;     no  white  on  the  tail 

feathers;    breast,  not  streaked  or  spotted  with  black  or  dark  brown. 

See  page  247. 

231 


232     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Part  10.  Throat,  not  yellow;  belly,  not  yellow;  more  or  less  white  on 
the  tail  feathers;  sides  of  breast  and  body,  with  distinct  blacker  black- 
ish streaks.  See  page  248. 

Part  ii.     Throat,  not  yellow;    belly,  not  yellow;    more  or  less  white  on 
the  tail  feathers;    sides  of  breast  and  body,  not  marked  with  numer- 
ous distinct  black  streaks.     See  page  250. 
GROUP  3.     Wing,  2.75  to  3.25  inches  long.     See  page  253. 

Part  i.  Throat,  breast,  and  belly,  yellow;  breast,  more  or  less  streaked; 
some  tail  feathers,  marked  with  white.  See  page  253. 

Part  2.  Throat,  breast,  and  belly,  yellow;  breast,  more  or  less  streaked; 
no  white  on  the  tail  feathers.  See  page  254. 

Part  3.  Throat,  breast,  and  belly,  yellow,  without  streaks;  more  or  less 
white  on  the  tail  feathers.  See  page  254. 

Part  4.  Throat,  breast,  and  belly,  yellov/,  without  streaks;  no  white  on 
the  tail  feathers.  See  page  255. 

Part  5.  Throat,  yellow;  belly,  not  yellow;  tail  feathers,  marked  with 
more  or  less  white.  See  page  255. 

Part  6.  Throat,  not  yellow;  belly,  yellow;  no  white  on  the  tail  feathers. 
See  page  257. 

Part  7.  Throat,  not  yellow;  belly,  yellow;  more  or  less  white  on  the  tail 
feathers.  See  page  257. 

Part  8.  Throat,  not  yellow;  belly,  not  yellow;  no  white  on  the  tail 
feathers;  breast  not  streaked  or  spotted  with  black  or  dark  brown. 
See  page  257. 

Part  9.  Throat,  not  yellow;  belly,  not  yellow;  no  white  on  the  tail 
feathers;  breast,  streaked  or  spotted  with  black  or  dark  brown.  See 
page  258. 

Part  10.  Throat,  not  yellow;  belly,  not  yellow;  more  or  less  white  on 
the  tail  feathers;  sides  of  breast  and  body,  marked  with  numerous 
distinct  black  or  blackish  streaks.  See  page  258. 

Part  ii.     Throat,  not  yellow;    belly,  not  yellow;    more  or  less  white  on 
the  tail  feathers;    breast  and  sides  of  the  body,  not  marked  with  dis- 
tinct black  streaks.     See  page  259. 
GROUP  4.     Wing,  3.25  to  3.75  inches  long.     See  page  260. 


Family    MNIOTILTID^.      Warblers. 

First  primary,  not  short,  never  less  than  two-thirds  as  long  as  third, 
and  often  nearly  the  same  length ;  bill,  slender  and  pointed ;  back  of 
tarsus,  thin  and  sharp,  not  rounded  as  in  front;  hind  toe  and  claw, 
not  longer  than  middle  toe  and  claw. 


Setophaga  ruticilla. 


Dendroica. 


Seiurus. 


Wilsonia.  Dendroica. 


Helmitherus. 


Setophaga. 


234     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


*  GROUP  1.     Wing,  less  than  2.37  inches  long. 

PART   1.     The  following  species  have  the  throat,  breast,  and   belly, 

yellow ;   breast,  more  or  less  streaked ;   some  tail  feathers, 

marked  with  white: — 


Prairie  Warbler. 

Wing  coverts,  broadly  bordered  with  yellow;  under  surface  of 
wing,  yellow;  white  on  tail  feathers,  extending  to  tip  of  inner  web; 
crown,  not  chestnut  brown.  Dendroica  discolor. 

Prairie  Warbler. 
See  No.  325. 


Dendroica  magnolia. 


Wing    coverts,     not    bordered 
with  yellow;  under  tail  coverts,  yel- 
low. Dendroica  palm-arum. 
Palm  Warbler. 
See  No.  324. 


Wing  coverts,  showing  much 
white ;  under  surface  of  wing,  white ; 
tail,  with  band  of  white,  no  white  at 
tip;  rump,  yellow. 

Dendroica  magnolia. 
Magnolia  Warbler. 
See  No.  314. 


*  For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OP  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — -CoRY.  235 

PART  2.       The  following  species   have   the   throat,  breast  and    belly, 
yellow;  breast,  with  more  or  less  streaks;  no  white  on  tail  feathers  — 

More  or  less  yellow,  on  inner  webs  of  primaries  and  tail  feathers. 

Dendroica  <zstiva. 
Yellow  Warbler. 
See  No.  311. 

PART  3.      The  following  species  have  the  throat,  breast,  and  belly, 
yellow  without  streaks;  some  tail  feathers  marked  with  white: — 

Crown  and  sides  of  head,  grayish  or  slate  color;  no  yellow  on  fore- 
head; adult  birds  have  patch  of  chestnut  on  crown;  some  tail  feathers, 
very  narrowly  edged  with  white;  under  wing  coverts,  yellow;  no 
black  streaks  on  sides  of  body.  Vermivora  rubric apilla. 

Nashville  Warbler. 
See  No.  306. 

Wing  bars,  white;  under  wing  coverts,  white;  some  tail  feathers 
with  much  white  on  inner  webs;  adult  birds  have  forehead  and  more 
or  less  of  crown  yellow;  immature  birds  have  crown  yellowish  green. 

Vermivora  pinus. 
Blue-winged  Warbler. 
See  No.  304. 

Wing  bars,  yellowish;  sides  of  body,  more  or  less  streaked  with 
black.  Dendroica  discolor. 

Prairie  Warbler. 
See  No.  325. 

PART  4.     The  following  species  have   the  throat,  breast,  and   belly, 
yellow  without  streaks  ;   no  white  on  tail  feathers  : — 

Crown  and  back,  greenish  yellow;  more  or  less  yellow  on  inner 
webs  of  primaries  and  tail  feathers;  crown,  yellowish  green. 

Dendroica  cestiva  (female  or  immature}. 
Yellow  Warbler. 

See  No.  311. 

Crown,  slate  color,  with  patch  of  chestnut  in  some  plumages;  sides 
of  head,  slate  color;  wing,  longer  than  tail;  lower  belly,  tinged  with 
white;  rump  and  upper  tail  coverts,  bright  yellowish  green. 

Vermivora  rubric  apilla. 
Nashville  Warbler. 
See  No.  306. 


236     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Crown,  dull  olive;  throat,  bright  yellow;  belly,  much  paler,  often 
whitish;  tail,  brownish  olive,  without  yellow;  wing,  not  longer  than 
tail;  males  have  black  patch  on  face  (forehead  and  sides  of  head) 
which  is  lacking  in  females.  Geothlypis  trichas. 

Maryland  Yellow-throat. 
See  No.  332. 

Throat  and  belly,  nearly  the  same  color;  crown,  glossy  black 
(male),  or  olive  green  like  back  (female); 
tail  feathers,  slaty  brown  faintly  washed  with 
olive  on  outer  webs;  numerous  small  black 
bristles  at  base  of  bill.  Wilsonia  pusilla. 

Wilson's  Warbler.     Wilson's  Blackcap. 
See  No.  335. 

Entire  under  parts,  yellow;  brightest  on  the  belly;  wing,  longer 
than  tail;  crown,  grayish;  back  and  rump,  dull  olive;  tail  feathers, 
not  marked  with  yellow.  Oporornis  Philadelphia  (young  female ) . 

Mourning  Warbler. 

See  No.  331. 

PART  5.     The  following  species  have  the  throat,  yellow;   belly,  not 
yellow  ;  tail  feathers,  marked  with  more  or  less  white  : — 

Back,  black  or  dark;  tail,  black, 
with  broad  band  of  white;  rump, 
yellow.  Dendroica  magnolia. 

Magnolia  Warbler. 

See  No.  314. 

Tail  of  Magnolia  Warbler. 

Back,  slaty  blue,  often  showing  yellowish  olive;  rump,  slate  color; 
sides  of  head,  grayish  or  slaty  blue. 

Compsothlypis  americana,  and  races. 
Parula  Warbler.     Blue  Yellow-backed  Warbler. 

See  No.  309. 

Back,  dull  green;  throat,  faintly  washed  with  greenish  yellow; 
rump,  green;  sides,  not  streaked.  Vermivora  peregrina. 

Tennessee  Warbler. 
See  No.  308. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  237 

Back,  greenish;  rump,  greenish;  cheeks,  yellowish;  sides,  show- 
ing more  or  less  dark  streaks.  Dendroica  virens. 

Black-throated  Green  Warbler. 

See  No.  321. 

PART   6-      "The  following   species   have  the  throat  yellow  ;   belly,  not 
yellow  ;  no  white  on  tail  feathers  : — 

Throat,  bright  yellow;  shading  to 
whitish  or  olive  on  belly;  forehead  and 
sides  of  head,  black  (male);  no  black 
on  head  (female ) ;  wing,  not  longer 
than  tail.  Geothlypis  trichas. 

Maryland  Yellow-throat. 
See  No.  332. 

Throat,  showing  faint  tinge  of  greenish  yellow;  throat  and  sides 
of  body,  nearly  same  color;  wing,  considerably  longer  than  tail. 

Vermivora  peregrina. 
Tennessee  Warbler. 

See  No.  308. 

PART  7-      The  following  species  have  the  throat,  not  yellow  ;   belly, 
yellow  ;  and  no  white  on  the  tail  feathers  : — 

Head,  grayish;  back,  olive  green;  belly,  bright  yellow;  throat, 
blackish  (male);  throat,  grayish  (female);  legs,  pale;  tail  feathers, 
olive  green ;  under  tail  coverts,  yellow.  Oporornis  Philadelphia. 

Mourning  Warbler. 

See  No.  331. 

Back,  grayish  brown;  belly,  faintly  tinged  with  yellow;  under  tail 
coverts,  yellow.  Dendroica  palmarum. 

Palm  Warbler. 

See  No.  324. 

PART  8.      The   following   species    have   no   yellow   on    the   threat    or 
belly,  and  no  white  on  the  tail  feathers  : — 

Wing,  less  than  2.25;  under  parts,  whitish,  tinged  with  olive  on 
sides;  throat,  with  faint  wash  of  yellowish  buff,  almost  white;  crown, 
dull  olive;  tail,  entirely  olive  green. 

Geothlypis  trichas  (young  bird  in  fall) . 
Maryland  Yellow-throat. 
See  No.  332. 


238     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Wing,   over   2.25;   entire  under  parts,  whitish  or  slightly  olive; 
crown,  slaty;  back,  green;  no  yellow  or  orange  on  tail  feathers. 

Vermivora  peregrina. 
Tennessee  Warbler. 
See  No.  308. 


Entire  under  parts,  dull  olive  or  olive  green;  crown,  with  partially 
concealed  patch  of  orange  brown  (sometimes  wanting)  ;  no  yellow 
or  orange  on  tail  feathers.  Vermivora  celata. 

Orange-crowned  Warbler. 

See  No.  307. 


End  of  tail,  brown;  basal  por- 
tion of  tail  feathers,  reddish  orange 
(male) ,  or  pale  yellow  (female) ; 
more  or  less  black  bristles  at  base 
of  bill.  Setophaga  ruticilla. 

Redstart. 
See  No.  337. 


Redstart. 


PART  9-     The   following  species   have   no    yellow  on  the  throat    or 
belly,  and  more  or  less  white  on  the  tail  feathers: — 

Wing  coverts,  broadly  edged  with  yellow;  crown,  greenish  yellow; 
back,  tinged  with  slate  color;  tail  feathers,  marked  with  white  to  the 
tips  of  inner  webs.  Vermivora  chrysoptera. 

Golden-winged  Warbler. 

See  No.  305. 


Wing  coverts,  not  yellow;  crown,  grayish  or  greenish;  back, 
yellowish  green;  some  tail  feathers,  narrowly  edged  with  white  near 
tips  of  inner  webs.  Vermivora  peregrina. 

Tennessee  Warbler. 

See  No.  308. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


239 


GROUP  2.     Wing,  from  2.37  to  2.75  inches  long. 

PART   ].      The  following  species  have  the   throat,   breast,   and   belly, 
ye!low;   breast,  more  or  less  streaked;    some  tail  feathers, 
marked  with  more  or  less  white: — 


' 


Kirtland's    Warbler. 

Under  parts,  pale  yellow;  sides  of  breast,  streaked  with  black; 
under  tail  coverts,  white;  crown,  grayish;  back  and  rump,  ashy> 
streaked  with  black.  Dendroica  kirtlandii' 

Kirtland's  Warbler. 

See  No.  322. 

Under  parts,  yellow;  sides  of  breast,  streaked  with  olive;  under 
tail  coverts,  ashy;  crown,  back,  and  rump,  olive  green. 

Dendroica  vigor sii. 
Pine  Warbler. 
See  No.  323. 


Head  and  tail  of  Magnolia  Warbler. 


240     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Under  parts,  bright  yellow;  breast,  heavily  streaked  with  black; 
under  tail  coverts,  white;  crown,  slaty;  back,  black;  rump,  yellow. 

Dendroica  magnolia. 
Magnolia  Warbler. 

See  No.  314. 

Under  parts,  very  pale  yellowish,  almost  yellowish  white,  faintly 
streaked  with  black;  under  tail  coverts,  white;  crown,  back,  and 
rump,  olive,  streaked  with  black.  Dendroica  striata  (female}. 

Black-poll  Warbler. 
See  No.  318. 


Head  and  tail  of  Blackburnian  Warbler. 

Throat  and  breast,  orange;  belly,  pale  yellow;  sides  of  breast 
streaked  with  black;  crown,  black,  streaked  with  dull  white;  rump, 
black;  under  tail  coverts,  white.  Dendroica  blackburnioe . 

Blackburnian  Warbler. 
See  No.  319. 

Under  parts,  yellow;  throat,  some- 
times marked  with  rufous  brown;  breast, 
streaked  with  black;  crown,  black  or 
olive  gray;  back,  olive  green,  marked 
with  black;  rump,  yellow;  under  tail 
coverts,  yellowish  white. 

Dendroica  tigrina. 
Cape  May  Warbler. 
See  No.  310. 

Under  parts,  very  pale  yellow, 
streaked  with  dark  brown;  under  tail 
coverts,  yellowish  white;  crown,  back, 
and  rump,  dark  olive. 

Seiurus  noveboracensis. 
Water-thrush.     Water  Warbler. 
See  No.  327. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN-  —  CORY. 


241 


PART  2.     The  following  species  have  the  throat,  breast,  and   belly, 
yellow ;  breast,  more  or  less  streaked ;  no  white  on  tail  feathers  : — 

Breast,  streaked  with  rufous  brown;    major  portion  of  inner  webs 
of  tail  feathers,  yellow.  Dendroica  estiva. 

Yellow  Warbler. 
See  No.  311. 


Breast,  with  black  or  dusky  streaks; 
tail  feathers,  entirely  dull  brown. 

Wilsonia  canadensis. 
Canadian  Warbler. 
See  No.  336. 


PART  3.     The   following   species   have   the   throat,  breast,  and   belly, 

yellow,  without  streaks;  some  tail  feathers  marked  with  more 

or  less  white  : — 

Throat  and  under  parts,  yellow;  under  tail  coverts,  yellow;  crown, 
gray;  no  yellow  about  eyes ;  sides  of  head,  gray;  back  and  rump,  olive 
green;  outer  tail  feathers,  very  narrowly  edged  with  white  (male  has 
a  chestnut  brown  patch  on  crown).  Vermivora  rubricapilla. 

Nashville  Warbler. 
See  No.  306. 


Tail  of  Mag 


Warbler. 


Crown,  dull  gray;    back,  olive  green;    rump  and  belly,  yellow; 
tail  feathers,  with  white  area  in  the  middle  (see  illustration). 

Dendroica  magnolia. 
Magnolia  Warbler. 
See  No.  314. 

Under    parts,    bright    yellow;    crown,    yellow;   back   and    rump, 
bright  olive  green;  a  narrow  black  streak  from  bill  to  eye. 

Vermivora  pinus  (male ) . 
Blue-winged  Warbler. 

See  No.  304. 


242     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY— ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Crown,  olive  green  (sometimes  with 
forehead  yellow)  ;  under  parts,  greenish 
yellow;  back  and  rump,  olive  green; 
terminal  third  of  inner  webs  of  outer  tail 
feathers,  white. 

Vermivora   pinits  (female  and  immature}. 
Blue- winged  Warbler. 
See  No.  304. 

Under  parts,  tinged  with  greenish  yellow;  under  tail  coverts, 
white;  crown,  back,  and  rump,?olive  green;  outer  tail  feathers  very 
narrowly  edged  with  white  (entirely  absent  in  some  specimens ) . 

Vermivora  peregrina    (female  in  fall  and  immature ) . 

Tennessee  Warbler. 
See  No.  308. 

Under  parts,  yellow,  washed  with  olive  on  sides;  sides  of  head  and 
lores,  yellow;  crown,  olive  green;-  back  and  rump,  olive  green;  under 
tail  coverts,  pale  yellow. 

Wilsonia  citrina  (female  in  fall  and  immature ) . 
Hooded  Warbler. 
See  No.  334. 

Under  parts,  yellow;  sides,  streaked  with  black;  crown,  slaty  gray  ; 
back  and  rump,  ashy,  streaked  with  black;  lores,  black. 

Dendroica  kirtlandii. 
Kirtland's  Warbler. 
See  No.  322. 

Crown,  greenish  blue;  wing  coverts,  edged  with  white;  back, 
greenish  blue,  without  streaks;  under  tail  coverts,  whitish;  under 
parts,  tinged  with  pale  yellow. 

Dendroica  cerulea  (female  and  immature ) . 
Cerulean  Warbler. 
See  No.  315. 

PART  4.      The  following  species  have   the   throat,   breast,   and   belly, 
yellow,  without  streaks,  and  no  white  on  the  tail  feathers:  — 

Crown,  slate  color,  with  patch  of  chestnut  (male),  or  crown,  olive 
gray  (female);  rump  and  upper  tail  coverts,  yellowish  green ;  auricu- 
lar region  (sides  of  head ) ,  grayish ;  under  tail  coverts,  yellow. 

Vermivora  rubricapilla. 
Nashville  Warbler. 
See  No.  306. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


243 


Under  parts,  faintly  washed  with  yellow,  or  yellowish  white ;  crown, 
grayish  olive;   back  and  rump,  olive  green;   under  tail  coverts,  white; 

no  yellow  on  tail  feathers.  Vermivora  peregrina  (female  in  fall}. 

Tennessee  Warbler. 
See  No.  308. 

Crown,  back,  and  rump,  yellowish  green;  major  part  of  inner  webs 
of  tail  feathers,  yellow.  Dendroica  (estiva  (female ) . 

Yellow  Warbler. 
See  No.  311. 


Sides  of  head,  yellowish;  crown,  glossy 
black  (male ) ;  crown,  bright  olive  green, 
like  back  (female);  back  and  rump,  bright 
olive  green ;  under  tail  coverts,  yellow. 

Wilsonia  pusilla. 
Wilson's  Warbler. 
See  No.  335. 


Crown,  grayish;  back  and  rump,  dull  olive  green;  entire  under 
parts,  yellow,  palest  on  throat;  no  yellow  on  tail  feathers;  chin,  not 
whitish;  no  buff -white  stripe  over  eye. 

Oporornis  Philadelphia  (young  female). 
Mourning  Warbler. 
See  No.  331. 

Crown,  grayish;  back  and  rump,  green;  under  parts,  pale  yellow; 
chin,  whitish;  a  buff -white  stripe  over  the  eye.  (This  bird  belongs 
in  Section  4,  but  might  be  mistaken  for  a  warbler  by  the  novice. ) 

Vireosylva  philadelphica. 
Philadelphia  Vireo. 
See  No.  294. 


Crown  and  sides  of  head,  with  more 
or  less  black ;  a  yellow  superciliary  stripe ; 

back  and  rump,  olive  green. 

Oporornis  formosa. 
Kentucky  Warbler. 
See  No.  329. 


Under  parts,  yellowish  olive ;  crown,  with  partly  concealed  orange 
brown  spot;   under  tail  coverts,  greenish  yellow.        Vermivora  celata. 

Orange-crowned  Warbler. 

See  No.  307. 


244     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

PART   5.      The  following  species  have   the  throat,  yellow;   belly,   not 
yellow  ;  tail  feathers,  marked  with  more  or  less  white  : — 

Back,  green,  streaked  with  black;  outer  web  of  outer  tail  feather, 
not  edged  with  white;  no  yellow  stripe  over  eye;  chin,  whitish;  sides 
of  breast  and  body,  streaked.  Dendroica  striata  (female). 

Black-poll  Warbler. 
See  No.  318. 

Crown,  black,  with  patch  of  orange  yellow  in  center;  back  and 
rump,  black,  with  more  or  less  white;  throat,  orange;  sides,  streaked 
with  black;  for  illustrations  of  head  and  tail,  see  page  240. 

Dendroica  blackburnia    (adult  male). 
Blackburnian  Warbler. 
See  No.  319. 

Throat,  yellow;  sides  of  breast,  streaked  with  blackish;  crown, 
olive,  dotted  with  blackish;  back  and  rump,  olive  gray,  streaked  with 
black ;  usually  a  trace  of  yellow  in  middle  of  crown ;  basal  portion  of 
narrow  outer  web  of  outer  tail  feather,  edged  with  white. 

Dendroica  blackburniae  (female,  and  immature}. 
Blackburnian  Warbler. 
See  No.  319. 

Crown,  ash  gray;  forehead,  black- 
ish; throat,  yellow;  bordered  by 
black;  sides  of  breast,  streaked  with 
black;  back  and  rump,  slaty  gray, 
not  streaked ;  no  white  on  outer  web 
of  outer  tail  feather. 

Dendroica  dominica  albihra. 
Sycamore  Warbler. 
See  No.  320. 

Crown,   slaty  blue;    back,    tinged 
with    greenish    yellow;     rump,    like 
crown;  no  black  streaks  on  sides  of 
throat,  back,  or  under  parts. 
Compsothlypis   americana,  and  races. 
Parula  Warbler. 
See  No.  309. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  245 

Crown,  back,  and  rump,  green  (tinged  with  gray ) ,  without  streaks ; 
two  outer  tail  feathers  with  oblique  white  spots;  lores,  yellow. 

Dendroica  vigor sii. 
Pine  Warbler. 

See  No.  323. 

Crown,  back,  and  rump,  green;  sides  of  head,  yellowish;  at  least 
half  of  outer  web  of  outer  tail  feather,  edged  with  white ;  sides  more 
or  less  faintly  streaked;  rump,  same  color  as  back. 

Dendroica  virens    (female  and  fall  plumage}. 
Black-throated  Green  Warbler. 
See  No.  321. 

Crown,  olive;  more  or  less  speckled  with  black;  back,  olive; 
rump,  yellow  or  greenish  yellow;  breast  with  numerous  streaks;  no 
white  on  outer  web  of  outer  tail  feathers ;  sides  of  head  and  neck,  more 
or  less  tinged  with  yellow. 

Dendroica  tigrina  (female  and  immature  at  some  seasons}. 

Cape  May  Warbler. 
See  No.  310. 

PART   6-      The  following  species  have   the   throat   not   yellow  ;  belly, 
yellow,  and  no  white  on  the  tail  feathers  : — 


Throat,  grayish  or  brownish;    eye 
ring,  white;    back,   olive  green. 

Oporornis  agilis. 
Connecticut  Warbler. 
See  No.  330. 


Throat,  grayish  or  ashy,  chang- 
ing to  blackish  on  breast  in  adult 
male  birds;  no  white  eye  ring. 

Oporornis  Philadelphia. 
Mourning  Warbler. 
See  No.  331. 


246     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

PART  7.      The   following   species   have   the  throat  not   yellow;    belly, 
yellow,  and  more  or  less  white  on  tail  feathers  : — 

Crown,  blackish;    cheeks,  chestnut;  breast,  yellow,  streaked  with 
black;   back,  greenish;    rump,  yellow;    much  white  on  wing  coverts. 

Dendroica  tigrina  (adult  male}. 
Cape  May  Warbler. 

See  No.  310. 


Throat,   black;    forehead   and   sides 
of  head,  yellow;    crown,  black. 

Wilsonia  citrina. 
Hooded  Warbler. 

See  No.  334. 


Palm  Warbler. 


Throat,  dull  white;  breast,  faintly  streaked;  under  tail  coverts, 
yellow;  wing  coverts,  tipped  with  brownish;  crown,  often  marked 
with  more  or  less  rufous  brown.  Dendroica  palmarum. 

Palm  Warbler.    Red-poll  Warbler. 
See  No.  324. 


Crown,  bluish  green;   wing  coverts,  tipped  with  white;  under  tail 
coverts,  whitish;   under  parts,  pale  yellowish  white. 

Dendroica  cerulea  (female  or  immature ) . 
Cerulean  Warbler. 

See  No.  315. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


247 


PART  8.      The  following  species  have  the   throat,  not  yellow;  belly, 

not  yellow,  and  no  white  on  the  tail  feathers;  breast,  streaked, 

or  spotted  with  black,  or  dark  brown  : — 


Crown,  brownish  orange ;  back,  olive 

green;  bill,  pale..     Seiurus  aurocapillus . 

Oven-bird.     Golden-crowned  Thrush. 

See  No.  326. 


Crown  and  back,  olive  brown;  bill,  dark. 

Seiurus  noveboracensis ,  and  races. 
Water-thrush. 
See  No.  327. 


PART  9.      The  following  species  have  the  throat,  not  yellow;  belly, 

not  yellow,  and  no  white  on  the  tail  feathers;  breast,  not 

streaked,  or  spotted  with  black,  or  dark  brown : — 

Crown,    with     stripe  of    tawny    buff, 

bordered  by  black  stripes;  a  black 
stripe  through  the  eye;  under  parts, 
buffy  white;  olive  on  sides. 

*     Helmitheros  vermivorus. 
Worm-eating  Warbler. 
See  No.  303. 


Crown  and   back,   black;   throat, 
black;   a  patch  of  orange  on  sides  of 
^-  breast,  and  a  patch  of  orange  red  on 
wings,  and  tail. 

Setophaga  ruticilla  (male). 
Redstart. 
See  No.  337. 


248     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Crown,  slaty  olive;   back,  dull  olive;   under  parts,  white;  a  patch 
of  yellow  on  sides  of  breast;    outer  tail  feathers,  yellow,  tipped  with 

brown.  Setophaga  ruticilla  (female). 

Redstart. 

See  No.  337. 

Crown,  grayish  olive,  usually  with  partly  concealed  orange  brown 
spot;  no  yellow  on  tail  feathers;   under  parts,  yellowish  green. 

Vermivora  celata. 
Orange-crowned  Warbler. 

See  No.  307. 

PART   10.      The  following  species  have  the  throat   not  yellow  ;   belly, 

not  yellow,  and  more  or  less  white  on  tail  feathers  ;  sides  of  breast 

and  body  with  numerous  distinct  black  or  blackish  streaks: — 

Throat,  bright  orange;   crown,  black,  streaked  with  white. 

Dendroica  blackburnice     (adult  male}. 
Blackburnian  Warbler. 

See  No.  319. 


Crown,  back,  and  rump,  bright  olive  green ;  sides  of  head,  yellowish ; 

throat,  usually  with  more  or  less  indications  of  black  in  most  speci- 
mens; inner  webs  of  two  outer  tail  feathers,  white. 

Dendroica  virens  (fall  and  immature}. 
Black-throated  Green  Warbler. 
See  No.  321. 


Crown,  black;    back,  grayish  olive, 

streaked  with  black;    rump,  like  back. 

Dendroica  striata. 

Black-poll  Warbler. 

See  No.  318. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


249 


Crown   and   back,    blue;    the  back,  streaked  with  black;    rump, 
slaty  blue.  Dendroica  cerulea. 

Cerulean  Warbler. 

See  No.  315. 

Crown,  dull  olive  green,  dotted  with  black;    back,  grayish  olive, 
streaked  with  black;    rump,  like  back. 

Dendroica  striata  (fall  and  immature). 
Black-poll  Warbler. 

See  No.  318. 


Middle  of  crown,  rump,  and  sides  of 
the   breast,    with   more  or   less  yellow. 
Dendroica  coronata. 
Myrtle  Warbler. 
Yellow-rumped  Warbler. 
See  No.  313. 


Black  and  White   Warble 


Crown,  black,  with  white  stripe  in  middle;    entire  plumage,  black 

and  white.  Mniotilta  varia. 

Black  and  White  Warbler.     Black  and  White  Creeper. 

See  No.  300. 

Crown  and  back,  grayish  olive;  rump,  yellowish;  a  patch  of  white 
near  the  tips  of  outer  tail  feathers  on  the  inner  webs. 

Dendroica  tigrina  (immature  female). 
Cape  May  Warbler. 
See. No.  310. 


250     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

PART   11.      The  following  species  have  the  throat,  not  yellow;   belly, 

not  yellow,  and  more  or  less  white  on  the  tail  feathers  ;   the 

sides  of  breast  and  body,  not  marked  with  numerous 

distinct  black  streaks: — 


Male.  Black-throated  Green  Warbler.  Female. 

Throat,  black;    crown,  olive  green;    sides  of  head,  yellow;    wing 
bands,  white.  Dendroica  virens  (adult  male}. 

Black-throated  Green  Warbler. 

See  No.  321. 

Throat,  black;   ear  coverts,  black;   crown,  yellowish;  wing  bands, 
yellow.  Vermivora  chrysoptera  (male ) . 

Golden-winged  Warbler. 

See  No.  305. 


Throat,     black;     crown,    dull    blue; 

sides  of  breast,  bluish  black;   a  patch  of 
white  at  base  of  primaries. 

Dendroica  carulescens  (adult  male ) . 
Black-throated  Blue  Warbler. 
See  No.  312. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


251 


Throat  and  sides,  chestnut;    crown, 
chestnut. 

Dendroica  castanea  (adult  male ) . 
Bay-breasted  Warbler. 
See  No.  317. 


Throat  and  sides,  more  or  less  marked  with  chestnut;  crown,  olive 
green,  streaked  with  black;  back,  grayish  olive,  streaked  with  black; 
(crown,  with  indications  of  chestnut);  belly,  cream  white. 

Dendroica  castanea  (female ) . 
Bay-breasted  Warbler. 
See  No.  317. 

Throat  and  under  parts,  cream  white,  shading  into  pale  buff;  white 
on  flanks;  crown  and  back,  green,  indistinctly  streaked  with  black; 
wing  bars,  white.  Dendroica  castanea  (immature}. 

Bay-breasted  Warbler. 
See  No.  317. 

Throat  and  under  parts,  pale  yellowish  white;  crown  and  back, 
green,  indistinctly  streaked;  wing  bars,  white;  often  very  difficult 
to  distinguish  from  immature  specimen  of  D.  castanea. 

Dendroica  striata  (immature ) . 
Black-poll  Warbler. 
See  No.  318. 


Throat  and  under  parts,  white ;  ashy 
on  the  sides;  crown,  slaty  gray;  back, 
green;  under  tail  coverts,  white. 

Vermivora  peregrina  (adult  male ) . 
Tennessee  Warbler. 
See  No.  308. 


Throat  and  under  parts,  white;   wing  bars,  yellow;    crown,  and 
back,  bright  green.  Dendroica  pensylvanica  (immature). 

Chestnut-sided  Warbler. 

See  No.  316. 


252     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Throat  and  under  parts,  white ;  sides, 
more    or   less   marked    with    chestnut; 

crown,  greenish  yellow;   back,  greenish, 
streaked  with  black;   wing  bars,  yellow- 
ish. Dendroica  pensylvanica. 
Chestnut-sided  Warbler. 

See  No.  316. 


Throat  and  under  parts,  cream  white ;  crown  and  back,  greenish 
blue;  rump,  like  back;  wing  coverts,  edged  with  white;  under  tail 
coverts,  whitish.  Dendroica  cerulea  (female}. 

Cerulean  Warbler. 

See  No.  315. 

Throat  and  under  parts,  dull  white;  crown  and  back,  grayish  olive; 
wing  bars,  white;  an  oblique  white  spot  on  inner  webs  of  two  outer 
tail  feathers;  rest  of  tail  feathers,  without  white;  under  tail  coverts, 
whitish.  Dendroica  vigor sii  (fall  and  immature). 

Pine  Warbler. 
See  No.  323. 


Tail  of  Palm   Warbler. 

Throat  and  under  parts,  whitish,  faintly  tinged  with  yellow;  breast, 
with  rather  indistinct  dusky  streaks;  crown,  grayish  olive,  usually 
with  at  least  an  indication  of  chestnut;  back,  grayish  olive;  rump, 
olive  green;  under  tail  coverts,  yellow.  Dendroica  palmar um. 

Palm  Warbler.     Red-poll  Warbler. 
See  No.  324. 

Throat  and  under  parts,  dull  yellowish  green;  crown,  green,  with 
partly  concealed  orange  brown  patch  in  center  (wanting  in  young 
birds ) ;  outer  tail  feathers,  narrowly  edged  with  white  on  inner  web ; 

rest  of  tail  feathers,  without  white;  no  white  spot  at  base  of  primaries. 

Vermivora  celata. 
Orange-crowned  Warbler. 

See  No.  307. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  253 

Throat  and  under  parts,  buffy  white ;  crown  and  back,  olive  green ; 
bases  of  primaries,  white,  forming  a  small  spot  on  wing  (female). 

Dendroica  c&rulescens. 
Black-throated  Blue  Warbler. 
See  No.  312. 

Throat,  gray;  belly,  white  (breast,  often  washed  with  yellow); 
crown,  yellowish  green;  wing  coverts,  broadly  tipped  with  yellow 
(female).  Vermivora  chrysoptera. 

Golden-winged  Warbler. 

See  No.  305. 


GROUP  3.     Wing,  2.75  to  3.25  inches  long. 

PART   1.     The   following  species  have  the  throat,  breast,  and  belly, 

yellow;  the  breast,  more  or  less  streaked;  some  tail  feathers, 

marked  with  white  : — 

Under  parts,  pale  yellow;  sides  of  breast,  more  or  less  streaked 
with  black;  under  tail  coverts,  white;  crown,  grayish;  back  and 
rump,  ashy  gray,  streaked  with  black.  Dendroica  kirtlandii. 

Kirtland's  Warbler. 

See  No.  322. 


Tail  of  Blackburnian  Warbler. 

Throat  and  breast,  orange,  belly,  pale  yellow;  sides  of  breast, 
streaked  with  black;  crown,  black,  with  orange  spot  in  center;  back, 
black,  streaked  with  whitish;  rump,  black;  under  tail  coverts,  white. 

Dendroica  blackburnj,ce . 

Blackburnian  Warbler. 

See  No.  319. 

Under  parts,  very  pale  yellowish,  almost  yellowish  white,  faintly 
streaked  with  black;  under  tail  coverts,  white;  crown,  back,  and 
rump,  olive  green,  streaked  with  black.  Dendroica  striata  (female}. 

Black-poll  Warbler. 
See  No.  318. 


254     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Under  parts,  yellow;  sides  of  breast,  streaked  with  olive;  under 
tail  coverts,  ashy;  crown,  back,  and  rump,  olive  green  (not  streaked). 

Dendroica  vigor sii. 
Pine  Warbler. 

See  No.  323. 

Under  parts,  yellow;  ear  coverts,  rufous  chestnut;  breast,  streaked 
with  black;  crown,  black,  or  olive  gray;  back,  olive  green,  marked 
with  black;  rump,  yellow;  under  tail  coverts,  yellowish  white;  a 
patch  of  white  on  wing  coverts.  Dendroica  tigrina. 

Cape  May  Warbler. 
See  No.  310. 

Under  parts,  very  pale  yellow,  streaked  with  dark  brown;  under 
tail  coverts,  yellowish  white;  crown,  back,  and  rump,  dark  olive. 

Seiurus  noveboracensis. 
Water-thrush. 

See  No.  327. 

PART  2.     The  following  species   has  the    throat,    breast,    and    belly, 

yellow  ;  breast,  more  or  less  streaked,  and  no  white  on  the 

tail  feathers: — 

Breast,  with  black  or  dusky  streaks;  tail,  dull  brown. 

Wilsonia  canadensis. 
Canadian  Warbler. 

See  No.  336. 

PART  3.      The  following  species  have  the  throat,  breast  and  belly,  yel- 
low, without  streaks,  and  more  or  less  white  on  the  tail  feathers  : — 

Head,  neck,  and  under  parts,  bright  orange  yellow ;  palest  on  the 
belly;  back,  olive  green;  rump,  gray.  Protonotaria  citrea. 

Prothonotary  Warbler. 

See  No.  301. 

Crown,  brownish;  under  parts, 
white,  faintly  tinged  with  pale  yellow; 
sides,  grayish;  back  and  rump,  olive 
brown  or  grayish  brown;  a  white 
stripe  over  the  eye. 

Helinaia  swains onii. 

Swainson's  Warbler. 

See  No.  302. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  255 

Under  parts,  yellow;  sides,  streaked  with  black;  crown,  slaty  gray; 
back  and  rump,  ashy,  streaked  with  black;  lores,  black. 

Dendroica  kirtlandii. 
Kirtland's  Warbler. 

See  No.  322. 

Under  parts,  yellow,  washed  with  olive  on  the  sides ;  sides  of  head 
and  lores,  yellow;  crown,  olive  green;  back  and  rump,  olive  green; 
under  tail  coverts,  pale  yellow.  Wilsonia  citrina. 

Hooded  Warbler. 

See  No.  334. 

PART  4.     The  following  species  have  the  throat,  breast    and    belly, 
yellow,  without  streaks  ;  no  white  on  the  tail  feathers  : — - 

Crown  and  sides  of  head,  with  more  or 
less  black ;    a  yellow  stripe  over  the  eye ; 

back  and  rump,  olive  green. 

Oporornis  formosa. 
Kentucky  Warbler. 
See  No.  329. 

PART  5.     The  following  species  have  the  throat,  yellow;  belly,  not 
yellow  ;  tail  feathers,  marked  with  more  or  less  white : — 

Back,  green,  streaked  with  black;  outer  web  of  outer  tail  feather, 
not  edged  with  white;  no  yellow  stripe  over  eye ;  chin,  whitish;  sides 
of  breast  and  body,  streaked.  Dendroica  striata  (immature). 

Black-poll  Warbler. 
See  No.  318. 

Crown,  black,  with  patch  of  orange  yellow  in  center;  back  and 
rump,  black,  with  more  or  less  white;  throat,  orange;  sides  streaked 
with  black.  Dendroica  blackburnice  (adult  male ) . 

Blackburnian  Warbler. 
See  No.  319. 

Throat,  yellow;  sides  of  breast,  streaked  with  blackish;  crown, 
olive,  dotted  with  dull  black,  and  usually  showing  a  trace  of  yellow  in 
center ;  back  and  rump,  olive  gray,  streaked  with  black ;  basal  portion 
of  narrow  outer  web  of  outer  tail  feather,  edged  with  white. 

Dendroica  blackburnice  (female  and  immature ) . 
Blackburnian  Warbler. 
See  No.  319. 


256     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Crown,  ash  gray;  forehead,  blackish;  throat,  yellow,  bordered 
by  black;  sides  of  breast,  streaked  with  black;  back  and  rump,  slaty 
gray,  not  streaked ;  no  white  on  outer  web  of  outer  tail  feather. 

Dendroica  dominie  a  albilora. 
Sycamore  Warbler. 
See  No.  320. 


Crown,  back,  and  rump,  green  (tinged  with  gray ) ,  without  streaks; 
two  outer  tail  feathers,  with  oblique  white  spots;  lores,  yellow. 

Dendroica  vigorsii. 
Pine  Warbler. 

See  No.  323. 

Crown,  olive,  more  or  less  speckled  with  black;  back,  olive; 
rump,  yellow,  or  greenish  yellow;  breast,  with  numerous  streaks; 
no  white  on  outer  web  of  outer  tail  feather;  sides  of  head  and  neck, 
more  or  less  tinged  with  yellow.  Dendroica  tigrina  (immature'). 

Cape  May  Warbler. 
See  No.  310. 


Yellow-breasted  Chat. 

Throat  and  breast,  bright  yellow;  lower  belly,  white;  crown  and 
back,  olive  green;  lores  and  eye  ring,  white;  tail,  over  2.50  inches 
long.  Icteria  virens. 

Yellow-breasted  Chat. 

See  No.  333. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  257 

PART  6.      The    following  species  has  the    throat,  not  yellow;  belly, 
yellow,  and   no  white  on  the  tail  feathers  : — 

Throat,  grayish  or  brownish;    eye  ring,  white,  or  whitish;    baok, 
olive  green.  Oporornis  agilis. 

Connecticut  Warbler. 

See  No.  330. 

PART   7-      The  following  species  have  the  throat,  not  yellow;  belly, 
yellow,  and  more  or  less  white  on  the  tail  feathers  : — 


Throat,   black;     forehead   and   sides 
of  head,  yellow;   crown,  black. 

Wilsonia  citrina. 
Hooded  Warbler. 
See  No.  334. 


Hooded  Warbler. 


Upper  throat,  tinged  with  chestnut;    breast,  streaked  with  black; 

back,  greenish;    rump,  yellow;  wing  coverts,  showing  much  white. 

Dendroica  tigrina  (adult  male ) . 
Cape  May  Warbler. 
See  No.  310. 

PART  8.      The   following   species  have  the  throat,  not  yellow  ;   belly, 

not  yellow,  and  no  white  on  the  tail  feathers;  breast,  not 

streaked  or  spotted  with  black  or  dark  brown : — 

Crown,  with  stripe  of  tawny  buff,  bordered  by  black  stripe;  a 
black  stripe  through  the  eye.  Helmitheros  vermivorus. 

Worm-eating  Wajbler. 

See  No.  303. 

Crown,  dull  cinnamon  brown ;  a  white  stripe  over  the  eye ;  under 
parts,  white,  faintly  tinged  with  yellow;  sides,  tinged  with  grayish 
olive.  Helinaia  swainsonii. 

Swainson's  Warbler. 

See  No.  302. 


258     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

PART  9.      The  following  species   have  the  throat,  not  yellow  ;  belly, 

not  yellow,  and  no  white  on  the  tail  feathers;    breast,  streaked 

or  spotted  with  black  or  dark  brown  : — 

Crown  and  back,   olive   brown;  bill,   dark;  under  parts,   white, 
tinged  with  yellow,  and  streaked  with  black   (including  throat ) . 

Seiurus  noveboracensis,  and  races. 
Water-thrush. 

See  No.  327. 

Crown  and  back,   olive  brown;  under  parts,   white,  tinged  with 
buff,  and  streaked  with  black;    throat,  not  streaked. 

Seiurus  motacilla. 
Louisiana  Water-thrush. 

See  No.  328. 

Crown,  brownish  orange;  back,  olive  green;   bill,  pale. 

Seiurus  aurocapillus . 
Oven-bird.     Golden-crowned  Thrush. 

See  No.  326. 

PART   10.      The  following  species  have  the  throat,  not  yellow  ;  belly, 

not  yellow;   more  or  less  white  on  the  tail  feathers;   sides  of 

breast,  and  body,  marked  with  numerous  distinct  black 

or  blackish  streaks:  — 


Crown,  black,  with  white  stripe  in  the  middle;    entire  plumage, 
black  and  white.  Mniotilta  varia. 

Black  and  White  Warbler. 

See  No.  300. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  259 

Crown  and  back,  grayish  olive;  rump,  yellowish;  a  small  patch 
of  white  near  the  tips  of  outer  tail  feathers  on  the  inner  webs. 

Dendroica  tigrina  (immature  female ) . 
Cape  May  Warbler. 
See  No.  310. 

Middle  of  crown,  rump,  and  sides  of  the  breast,  more  or  less  yellow. 

Dendroica  coronata. 
Myrtle  Warbler.     Yellow-rumped  Warbler. 

See  No.  313. 

Crown,  back,  and  rump,  dull  olive  or  brownish  olive;  under  parts, 
buffy  or  grayish,  streaked  with  brown  on  breast  and  sides;  outer  tail 
feathers,  mostly  white,  including  the  outer  web ;  hind  toe  nail,  as  long 
as  the  toe.  (This  species  is  not  a  Warbler,  and  belongs  in  Family 
Motacillidae,  p.  261,  but  it  might  be  mistaken  for  one  by  the 
uninitiated. )  Anthus  rubescens. 

American  Pipit.     Titlark. 
See  No.  338. 

Crown,  dull  olive  green,  dotted  with  black;  back,  grayish  olive, 
streaked  with  black;  rump,  like  back;  outer  tail  feather,  with  patch 
of  white  on  inner  webs.  Dendroica  striata  (female ) . 

Black-poll  Warbler. 

See  No.  318. 

Throat,  bright  orange;  a  patch  of  orange  on  the  crown. 

Dendroica  blackburnice  (adult  male}. 
Blackburnian  Warbler. 
See  No.  319. 

PART  11.     The  following  species  have  the  throat,  not  yellow;   belly, 

not  yellow;  more  or  less  white  on  the  tail  feathers;  breast  and  sides 

of  body,  not  marked  with  numerous  distinct  black  streaks: — 

Throat  and  sides,  chestnut;  crown,  chestnut. 

Dendroica  castanea. 
Bay-breasted  Warbler. 
See  No.  317. 

Throat  and  sides,  more  or  less  chestnut;  crown,  olive,  streaked 
with  black  (usually  with  trace  of  chestnut);  back,  grayish  olive, 
streaked  with  black.  Dendroica  castanea  (female}. 

Bay-breasted  Warbler. 

See  No.  317. 


260     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Throat  and  under  parts,  cream  white,  shading  to  pale  buff  on 
flanks;  crown  and  back,  green,  indistinctly  streaked  with  black; 
wing  bars,  white.  (Often  difficult  to  distinguish  from  female  of 
Black-poll  Warbler,  D.  striata,  which  resembles  it  very  closely  in 
immature  plumage,  but  has  the  under  parts  usually  yellowish. ) 

Dendroica  castanea  (immature ) . 
Bay-breasted  Warbler. 
See  No.  317. 

Throat  and  under  parts,  dull  white ;  crown  and  back,  grayish  olive; 
wing  bars,  white;  an  oblique  white  spot  on  inner  webs  of  two  outer 
tail  feathers,  rest  of  tail  feathers,  without  white;  under  tail  coverts, 
whitish.  Dendroica  vigorsii  (fall,  and  immature ) . 

Pine  Warbler. 
See  No.  323. 


Throat  and  under  parts,  whitish, 
faintly  tinged  with  yellow;  breast, 
with  rather  indistinctly  dusky 
streaks;  crown,  grayish  olive,  usu- 
ally with  an  indication  of  chest- 
nut; back,  grayish  olive;  rump, 
olive  green;  under  tail  coverts, 
yellow.  Dendroica  palmarum. 

Palm  Warbler.     Red-poll  Warbler. 
See  No.  324. 


GROUP  4.     Wing,  3.25  to  3.75  inches  long. 

Under  parts,  white,  faintly  yellowish,  streaked  with  brownish 
black;  throat,  showing  more  or  less  dots  or  streaks;  no  white  on  tail 
feathers.  Seiurus  noveboracensis  notabilis. 

Grinnell's  Water-thrush. 
See  No.  32ya. 


Throat,  white;  under  parts,  white,  faintly  tinged  with  tawny; 
breast  and  sides  of  body,  streaked  with  dark  brown;  throat,  not 
streaked;  no  white  on  tail  feathers.  Seiurus  motacilla. 

Louisiana  Water-thrush. 
See  No.  328. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


261 


Under  parts,  grayish  white  or  buffy  white,  more  or  less  streaked 
with  dark  brown;  greater  portion  of  outer  tail  feathers,  white;  hind 
toe,  with  claw  longer  than  middle  toe,  with  claw.  (Belongs  in  Family 
Motacillidae,  and  is  very  different  from  a  Warbler,  but  might  be  mis- 
taken for  one  by  the  novice.)  Anthus  rubescens. 

American  Pipit.     Titlark. 
See  No.  338. 

Throat,  faintly  yellow;  under  parts,  not  streaked;  more  or  less 
black  on  cheeks  and  breast;  hind  toe  nail,  straight  and  long.  (This 
species  belongs  in  Family  Alaudidae,  but  is  included  here  as  well 
as  in  its  proper  place  for  the  benefit  of  persons  unfamiliar  with  birds, 
who  might  look  for  it  under  this  section.) 

Otocoris  alpestris  praticola. 
Prairie  Horned  Lark. 
See  No.  2i6a. 


Family   MOTACILLI  D^.      Wagtails, 
Pipits   and    Titlarks. 

Bill,  slender;  first  primary,  not  short,  the  first,  second,  and  third, 
being  about  equal  in  length;  hind  toe  and  claw,  longer  than  middle 
toe  and  claw ;  hind  toe  nail,  long,  in  this  somewhat  resembling  larks, 
but  no  tufts  of  hair-like  feathers  over  nostrils. 


262     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Crown,  back,  and  rump,  dull 
olive,  or  brownish  olive;  under 
parts,  buffy,  or  grayish,  streaked 
with  brown  on  throat  and  sides; 
outer  tail  feather,  mostly  white, 
including  the  outer  web;  much 
less  white  on  second  feather;  hind 
toe  nail,  usually  as  long  as  the 
toe.  Anthus  rubescens. 

American  Pipit.     Titlark. 
See  No.  338. 


Family  TROGLODYTID^.      Wrens. 

Small,  plain-colored  birds ;  first  primary,  less  than  two-thirds  as  long 
as  third ;  outer  tail  feathers,  decidedly  shorter  than  middle  ones,  vary- 
ing from  one-eighth  to  one-half  inch  or  more  shorter  in  different  species ; 
toes,  not  deeply  cleft,  the  inner  and  middle  toes  being  joined  near  the 
base;  no  noticeable  rictal  bristles. 


*  GROUP  1.     Wing,  less  than  3.25  inches  Jong. 

PART  1.     The    following    species    have    the    crown    or    upper    back 
without  white  streaks  or  dots  : — 


Thryomanes  bewickii. 


Outer    tail    feathers,     broadly 

tipped  and  marked  with   grayish 

white.  Thryomanes  bewickii. 

Bewick's  Wren. 


See  No.  343. 


:  For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OP  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


263 


Under  parts,  grayish;  belly, 
grayish,  not  speckled;  outer 
tail  feathers,  not  broadly  tipped 
with  grayish  white;  tail,  over  1.25 
inches  long;  outer  webs  of  pri- 
maries, showing  narrow  bars. 

Troglodytes  aedon,  and  races. 
House  Wren. 
See  No.  344  and  344a. 


Winter  Wren. 

Under  parts,  distinctly  brownish,  dotted  and  speckled  with  brown 
on  flanks  and  abdomen;  tail  1.25  or  less;  outer  tail  feathers,  not 
broadly  tipped  and  marked  with  grayish  white;  outer  webs  of  pri- 
maries, with  narrow  bars.  Nannus  hiemalis. 

Winter  Wren. 
See  No.  345. 


PART  2.     The    following    species    have    the    crown    or    upper    hack 
showing  more  or  less  white  streaks  or  dots : — 


Rump  and  upper  tail  coverts,  barred 
with  black;  bill,  shorter  than  middle  toe 
(without  claw). 

Cistothorus  stellar  is. 
Short-billed  Marsh  Wren. 
See  No.  346. 


264     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Rump  and  tail  coverts,   without  black  bars;    bill,   longer  than 
middle  toe  (without  claws).  Telmatodytes  palustris,  and  races 

Long-billed  Marsh  Wren. 

See  No.  347. 


Back,  chestnut  brown;  nearly 
concealed  white  spots  on  rump ;  a 
long  white  or  whitish  stripe  over 
the  eye. 

Thryothorus  ludovicianus . 
Carolina  Wren. 
See  No.  342. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


265 


Family  MIMID^E.     Thrashers,  Mockingbirds, 
Catbirds,  etc. 

Special  Characters:  Bill,  as  illustrated;  first  primary,  less  than 
two-thirds  as  long  as  third;  outer  tail  feathers,  shorter  than  middle 
ones;  tarsus,  scutellate  in  front;  toes,  deeply  cleft. 


*  GROUP  1.      Wing,  from  3.25  to  5.50  inches  long. 


Catbird.  Mockingbird. 

General  plumage,  dark  slaty  gray;  under  parts,  slaty  gray;  under 
tail  coverts,  dark  chestnut  brown;  crown,  blackish;  first  primary, 
short.  Dumetella  carolinensis . 

Catbird. 
See  No.  340. 

*  For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 


266     FIELD  MUSEUM  OP  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Upper  plumage,   ashy  gray;    basal  portion  of  primaries,  white, 
forming  a  white  wing  patch;  under  parts,  ashy  white,  without  streaks. 

Mimus  polyglottos. 
Mockingbird. 
See  No.  339. 


Entire  upper  plumage,  rufous 
brown;  under  parts,  buffy  white, 
streaked  with  dark  brown;  wing  co- 
verts, tipped  with  white;  tail,  more 
than  four  inches  long. 

Toxostoma  rufum. 
Brown  Thrasher.    Brown  Thrush. 
See  No.  341. 


iroxvn  Thrasher. 


Family   CERTHIID^E.      Creepers. 

Bill,  slender  and  decurved;  tail  feathers,  stiff  and  pointed  (see 
cut ) ;  nostrils,  exposed ;  tarsus,  scutellate ;  first  primary,  very  short. 
But  one  species  occurs  in  Eastern  North  America  —  a  small  bird ; 
wing,  less  than  three  inches ;  length,  less  than  six  inches. 


Brown  Creeper. 


Brown  Creeper. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


267 


Tail  feathers,  stiff  and  pointed ;  bill,  curved;  upper  parts,  streaked; 
under  parts,  white;    rump,  dull  rufous  brown. 

Certhia  familiar  is  americana. 
Brown  Creeper. 

See  No.  348. 


Family  SITTID^.      Nuthatches. 


White-breasted  Nuthatch. 


Bill,  as  illustrated;  nostrils,  con- 
cealed by  bristly  tufts ;  tarsus,  scutellate ; 
first  primary,  very  short ;  tail  feathers,  not 
stiff  and  pointed.  The  White-breasted 
Nuthatch  is  sometimes  mistaken  by  the 
novice  for  a  small  Woodpecker.  If  tail 
feathers  are  stiff  and  pointed,  look  for 
the  bird  under  Family  Picidae. 


Crown,  black;  back,  gray,  with- 
out white;  wings,  not  heavily  spotted 
with  white ;  tail  feathers,  not  stiff  or 
pointed;  toes,  four,  three  in  front, 
one  behind;  wing,  3.50  to  3.75  inches 
long.  Sitta  carolinensis. 

White-breasted  Nuthatch. 
See  No.  349. 

Bill,     more     than     three-eighths 

inch  long;    under  parts,  pale  rufous 

brown;  crown,  black  (male);  crown, 

bluish  gray    (female);  wing,  2.60  to 

2.85  inches  long.        Sitta  canadensis. 

Red-breasted  Nuthatch. 

See  No.  350. 


Bill,  more  than  three-eighths  inch  long;    crown,  grayish  brown; 
under  parts,  dull  grayish  white;   wing,  2.40  to  2.70  inches  long. 

Sitta  pusilla. 
Brown-headed  Nuthatch. 
See  Nos.  350-351. 


268     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Family    PARID^E.      Titmice  and  Chickadees. 

Small  birds,  less  than  6.50  inches  long;  wing,  less  than  3.50  in  the 
largest;  first  primary,  very  short  and  small;  bill,  short  and  stout  (as 
illustrated ) ;  nostrils,  concealed  by  bristly  feathers ;  throat,  black ; 
crown,  black ;  front  toes,  joined  near  the  base ;  wing,  less  than  3  inches 
long  (Chickadee),  or  forehead,  black;  sides,  with  rufous  brown; 
wing,  over  3  inches  long  (Titmouse ) . 


GROUP  1.      Wing,  less  than  3  inches  long. 


Bill,  less  than  three-eighths  inch  long;  crown  and  throat,  black; 
greater  wing  coverts,  edged  with  white ;  breast,  white;  belly  and  sides, 
pale  buff.  Penthestes  atricapillus,  and  races. 

Chickadee.     Black-capped  Titmouse. 

See  No.  352. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


269 


Bill,  less  than  three-eighths  inch  long;  crown  and  throat,  black; 
greater  wing  coverts,  not  edged  with  white;  breast,  white;  belly  and 
sides,  pale  buff.  Penthestes  carolinensis . 

Carolina  Chickadee. 

See  No.  353. 

Throat,  black;    sides  of  body,  chestnut  brown. 

Penthestes  hudsonicus. 
Hudsonian  Chickadee. 

See  No.  354. 

GROUP  2.      Wing,  over  3  inches  long. 


Throat  and  under  parts,  dull  white ; 

sides  of  body,  tinged  with  rufous 
brown;  crown,  gray,  with  more  or 
less  of  a  crest;  forehead,  black,  in 


adults. 


B&olophus  bicolor. 
Tufted  Titmouse. 
See  No.  351. 


Tufted  Titmouse. 


Family  SYLVIID^.      Kinglets  and 
Gnatcatchers. 

The  Sylviidae  are  divided  into  three  subfamilies,  one  of  which, 
the  Sylviinae  or  Old  World  Warblers,  is  not  represented  in  eastern 
North  America.  The  other  two  may  be  summarized  as  follows  :-•- 


Subfamily  REGULIN^.      Kinglets. 

Size,  small;  length,  less  than  4.75;  wing,  less  than  2.50  inches; 
tarsus,  booted ;  wings,  longer  than  tail ;  tail,  emarginate ;  males,  with 
crown  of  the  head  showing  red  or  yellow;  8  species,  two  of  which 
occur  in  eastern  North  America. 


270     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Subfamily  POLIOPTILIN^E.     Gnatcatchers. 

Size,  small;  length,  less  than  4.75;  wing,  less  than  2.50  inches; 
tarsus,  not  booted ;  wings,  longer  than  tail ;  tail,  somewhat  rounded ; 
color,  bluish  ash;  about  15  species,  all  American,  of  which  one  oc- 
curs in  eastern  North  America. 


Gnatcatcher. 


Kinglet. 


Back,  bluish  gray;   outer  tail  feathers 
mostly  white;    wing,  less  than  2.50. 

Polioptila  ccerulea. 
Blue-gray  Gnatcatcher. 

See  No.  357. 

Back,  olive;   no  white  patch  on  tail;   crown,  with  patch  of  bright 
red   (male);    crown,  olive   (female);    wing,  less  than  2.50. 

Regulus  calendula. 
Ruby-crowned  Kinglet. 

See  No.  356. 

Back,  olive;  no  white  patch  on  tail; 
crown,  with  patch  of  orange  edged  with  yellow 
and  black  (male) ;  crown,  with  yellow  patch 
edged  with  black  (female);  wing,  less  than 
2.50.  Regulus  satrapa. 

Golden-crowned  Kinglet. 
See  No.  355. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  271 


Family  TURDID^.    Thrushes,  Bluebirds,  etc. 

First  primary,  very  short;  tarsus,  booted  (no  scales  showing,  ex- 
cept near  the  toes ) ;  bill,  shorter  than  head ;  tip  of  upper  mandible 
with  small  notch. 


*  GROUP  1.      Wing,  from  3.25  to  4.75  inches  long. 

PART   1.      The  following  species  have  the  under  parts  more  or  less 
streaked  or  spotted  : — 


Thrush. 

Back,  rump,  and  upper  tail  coverts,  olive,  about  the  same  color; 
eye  ring,  cheeks,  and  lores,  pale  buff ;  no  white  on  wing  coverts. 

Hylocichla  ustulata  swainsonii. 
Olive-backed  Thrush. 
See  No.  362. 

*  For  directions  for  measurement,  see  page  21. 


272     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Upper  plumage,  brownish  olive; 
ends  of  upper  tail  coverts  and  tail, 
rufous  brown,  much  more  rufous  than 
the  back;  no  white  on  tail;  first  prim- 
ary, very  small  and  narrow. 

'  Hylocichla  guttata  pallasii. 
Hermit  Thrush. 
See  No.  363. 


Back,  rump,  and  upper  tail  coverts,  olive,  about  the  same  color; 
eye  ring  and  lores,  white,  sometimes  faintly  tinged  with  buff,  but  the 
eye  ring  never  decidedly  buff,  as  in  swainsonii;  no  white  on  wing 
coverts.  Hylocichla  alicice,  and  races. 

Gray-cheeked  Thrush. 
See  No.  361. 


Crown  and  back,  dull  cinna- 
mon brown,  shading  to  brownish 
olive  on  the  upper  tail  coverts; 
breast  and  belly,  marked  with 
round  brownish  black  spots; 
no  white  on  wing  coverts. 

Hylocichla  mustelina. 
Wood  Thrush. 
See  No.  359. 


Crown,  back,  and  upper  tail 
coverts,  pale  cinnamon  brown, 
nearly  uniform  in  color ;  breast  and 
sides  of  throat,  tawny  brown, 
marked  with  small  cinnamon 
brown  spots  and  streaks;  belly, 
whitish,  without  spots;  no  white 
on  wing  coverts. 

Hylocichla  fuscescens,  and  races. 
Wilson's  Thrush. 
See  No.  360. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  273 

Wings  and  tail,  tinged  more  or  less  with  blue   (immature). 

Sialia  sialis. 
Bluebird. 

See  No.  365. 


PART  2.      The   following    species    have    no    streaks  or   spots  on   the 
under  parts : — 


Bluebird. 


Upper  plumage,  blue;  breast  and  sides  of  body,  cinnamon  rufous; 
belly,  white  (male ) .  Sialia  sialis. 

Bluebird. 

See  No.  365. 

Upper  plumage,  ashy  gray,  with  bluish  tinge,  shading  to  blue  on 
rump,  tail,  and  wings;  breast  and  sides,  pale  cinnamon  brown;  belly, 
white  (female ) .  Sialia  sialis. 

Bluebird. 

See  No.  365. 

Entire  plumage,  gray  or  brownish  gray,  palest  on  the  throat; 
a  distinct  white  ring  around  the  eye;  tip  and  outer  web  of  tail 
feathers,  ashy  white;  western  species;  one  Illinois  record. 

Myadestes  townsendii. 

Townsend's  Solitaire. 

See  No.  358. 


274     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


GROUP  2.      Wing,  from  4.75  to  5.50  inches  long. 


Upper  plumage,  grayish 
olive ;  throat,  white,  streaked 
with  black;  rest  of  under 
parts  (except  lower  belly), 
pale  chestnut  rufous;  young 
birds  have  the  under  parts 
spotted. 

Plane sticus  migrator  ius 
Robin.       American  Robin. 
See  No.  364. 


THE  BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN, 

WATER  BIRDS. 


ORDER  PYGOPODES. 

DIVING  BIRDS. 
Suborder  COLYMBI. 

Family  COLYMBID^.      Grebes. 


Holboell's  Grebe.  Pied-billed  Grebe. 

The  Grebes  comprise  a  small  cosmopolitan  family,  numbering 
about  25  species.  They  are  lobe-footed  water  birds  and  dive  with 
great  dexterity,  often  remaining  under  water  for  a  considerable  time 
with  only  the  bill  and  a  small  portion  of  the  head  protruding  above 
the  surface.  They  feed  principally  upon  small  fish.  Half  a  dozen 
species  are  found  in  North  America,  of  which  the  following  are 
accredited  to  Illinois  and  Wisconsin : 

275 


276     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Genus  ^CHMOPHORUS  Coues. 

I.     ^)chmophorus  occidentalis  (L/AWR.). 

WESTERN  GREBE. 

Geographical  distribution:  Western  North  America,  east  to  Man- 
toba  and  south  to  Mexico;  accidental  east  of  Nebraska. 

Special  characters,  adult:  Top  of  head  and  back  of  neck,  sooty 
black;  rest  of  upper  plumage,  slaty  gray;  forehead  and  lores,  ashy 
white;  primaries,  dark  chocolate,  showing  white  at  the  bases;  neck 
(except  the  back)  and  under  parts,  glossy  white. 

Length,  23  to  29;   wing,  7  to  8.40;   bill,  2.40  to  3. 

According  to  Kumlien  and  Hollister,  this  western  species  has  been 
taken  in  Wisconsin.  A  specimen  was  killed  on  Lake  Koshkonong, 
January  4,  1878,  by  L.  Kumlien,  and  another  in  the  same  locality, 
October,  1881.  (Bull.  Wis.  Nat.  Hist.  Soc.,  1903,  p.  5.)  As  far  as 
we  know  it  has  not  as  yet  been  observed  in  Illinois. 

Genus  COLYMBUS  Linn. 

2.     Colymbus  holboellii  (REINH.)- 
HOLBCELL'S  GREBE. 

Distr.:  North  America  in  general,  breeding  chiefly  north  of  the 
United  States. 

Adult  in  summer:  Top  of  head,  small  crest  and  back  of  neck, 
greenish  black,  or  glossy  black;  throat  and  sides  of  the  head,  silvery 
white,  or  whitish  ash;  most  of  neck,  rujous  brown,  shading  into  silvery 
white  on  the  lower  breast  and  belly;  back,  black,  some  of  the  feathers 
with  grayish  edgings;  primaries,  chocolate  brown,  the  shafts,  black. 

Adult  in  winter:  Above,  blackish;  crest,  nearly  or  quite  absent; 
front  and  sides  of  neck  tinged  with  pale  brown;  throat,  white;  under 
parts,  white.  Immature  birds  have  the  upper  parts  dull  black;  the 
throat  and  under  parts,  silvery  white,  and  the  neck,  grayish  (not 
tinged  with  brown). 

Length,  18  to  20;  wing,  7.35  to  8;   bill,  1.75  to  2.30. 

Holboell's  Grebe  is  rare  in  Illinois  and  casual  in  Wisconsin  during 
late  fall  and  early  spring,  and  a  few  remain  in  winter.  Mr.  E.  W. 
Nelson  gives  it  as  a  "rather  uncommon  winter  resident  upon  Lake 
Michigan."  (Birds  N.  E.  Illinois,  1876,  p.  no.)  Kumlien  and  Hol- 
lister say,  "Holboell's  Grebe  is  found  sparingly  in  March  and  early 
April  on  most  of  the  larger  inland  lakes  and  rivers,  as  well  as  on  Lake 
Michigan,  and  again  from  September,  but  more  often  from  October, 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  277 

until  the  ice  forms.  Where  there  is  open  water,  both  on  Lake  Michi- 
gan and  in  the  interior,  many  remain  all  winter."  (Birds  of  Wiscon- 
sin, 1903,  p.  5. ) 

3.     Colymbus  auritus  LINN. 

HORNED  GREBE. 

Distr.:  Northern  Hemisphere,  breeding  from  the  northern  United 
States  northward. 

Adult  in  summer:  Bill,  deeper  than  wide  at  base;  top  of  head, 
back  of  neck  and  throat,  greenish  black;  lores,  pale  chestnut  brown; 
a  tuft  of  ochraceous  feathers  on  sides  of 
head  behind  the  eye;  front  of  neck  and 
breast,  chestnut  brown;  sides  of  body, 
chestnut  brown;  belly,  white. 

Adult  in  winter,  and  immature:  Upper 
parts,  blackish  or  grayish  black;  under 
parts,  silvery  white,  often  tinged  with 
gray  on  throat  and  breast ;  no  developed 
tufts  behind  the  eye. 

Length,  about  14  inches  (12. 60  to  15); 
wing,  about  5.70;  bill,  about  .90. 

The  Horned  Grebe  is  apparently  not 
uncommon    at    times    in     Illinois    and 
Wisconsin  during  the  migrations,  and  a 
few  remain   to  breed.     It  arrives  from 
the  south  in  April  and  breeds  in  May  and  June. 

"Occurs  commonly  during  the  migrations  —  breeds  sparingly  in 
the  small  lakes."  (Nelson,  Birds  N.  E.  111.,  1876,  p.  150.)  "Still 
fairly  common  as  a  spring  and  autumn  migrant ;  not  infrequently 
nests  in  the  northern  part  of  the  state  as  it  formerly  did  even  in  the 
southern  tier  of  counties.  Young,  a  few  days  old,  were  procured  at 
Lake  Koshkonong  during  June,  1880."  (Kumlien  and  Hollister, 
Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  5. ) 

The  nest  of  the  Horned  Grebe  is  a  mass  of  weeds  in  shallow  water, 
sometimes  floating  attached  to  reeds,  and  again  placed  on  a  nearly 
submerged  tussock.  The  eggs  are  usually  4  to  7,  dull  white,  more  or 
less  stained  with  brown.  They  measure  about  1.75  x  1.15  inches. 

4.     Colymbus  nigricollis  californicus  (HEERM.). 

AMERICAN  EARED  GREBE. 

Dfstr.:  Northern  and  western  North  America,  from  the  Missis- 
sippi Valley  west  to  the  Pacific,  south  to  Central  America  (Guatemala). 


278     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Adult :  Very  similar  to  the  preceding  species  in  winter  plumage 
(quite  different  in  summer),  but  the  peculiar  shape  of  the  bill  will 
distinguish  it.  The  upper  mandible  is  much  flattened  at  the  nostril 
(the  width  at  this  point  being  greater  than  the  depth),  and  nearly 
straight  from  nostril  to  tip  (not  decurved  as  in  C.  auritus);  under 
mandible  straight  for  about  three-fourths  of  its  length  and  then 
sharply  ascending.  Size  nearly  the  same  as  C.  aiiritus. 

A  western  species,  which  is  claimed  to  occur  occasionally  in 
Illinois  and  Wisconsin  during  the  fall  and  winter.  It  resembles  the 
Horned  Grebe  in  winter  plumage,  but  the  shape  of  the  bill  will  dis- 
tinguish it.  "  Not  uncommon  in  winter  upon  Lake  Michigan."  (Nel- 
son, Birds  N.  E.  Illinois,  1876,  p.  151.)' 

A.  W.  Butler  states  it  has  twice  been  taken  in  Indiana,  and  W.  W. 
Cooke  records  it  from  St.  Louis,  Mo.  Messrs.  Kumlien  and  Hollister 
say,  "Very  rare  in  Wisconsin.  We  have  received  two  spring  speci- 
mens from  near  Iron  River,  Bayfield  County,  but  have  never  person- 
ally come  upon  or  taken  one  in  Wisconsin.  Mr.  H.  A.  Winkenwerder, 
of  Watertown,  Wis.,  has  sent  us  a  wing  of  this  species,  which  is  said 
to  have  come  from  a  bird  shot  at  that  place."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin, 
1903,  p.  6.) 

Great  care  should  be  taken  in  identifying  this  species.  Several 
specimens  sent  to  me  for  examination,  which  were  supposed  to  be  the 
Eared  Grebe,  proved  to  be  the  Horned  Grebe,  C.  auritus,  which  it 
closely  resembles  in  winter  plumage. 

Genus   PODILYMBUS   Lesson,. 

5.     Podilymbus  podiceps  (LINN.). 

PIED-BILLED  GREBE. 

Distr.:  North  America  in  general,  from  British  Provinces  south 
to  South  America  (Chili),  including  the  West  Indies  and  Bermuda; 
breeds  nearly  throughout  its  range. 

Adult  in  summer:  Throat,  black;  a  blark  band  on  the  bill;  no  tufts 
on  the  sides  of  the  head  in  any  plumage;  upper  plumage,  brownish 
black;  front  and  sides  of  the  neck  and  sides  of  the  body  tinged  with 
brown;  rest  of  under  parts,  silvery  white. 

Adult  in  winter:  Throat,  grayish  white;  no  black  band  on  the  bill; 
sides  of  body,  faintly  washed  with  pale  brown. 

Length,  variable,  but  about  13.50;  wing,  4.50  to  5.10;  bill,  .75; 
depth  of  bill  at  nostril,  about  .40. 

The  Pied-billed  Grebe  is  a  common  summer  resident  in  both  Illi- 
nois and  Wisconsin,  breeding  in  suitable  localities  throughout  both 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  279 

states;  nidification  begins  in  May.  The  nest  is  in  a  pond,  river,  or 
slough,  and  is  usually  a  mass  of  floating  vegetation  among  reeds. 
The  eggs  are^j.  to  8  in  number,  dull  white,  usually  more  or  less  stained 
and  soiled,  and  measure  about  1.75  x  1.20  inches. 


Pied-billed  Grebe. 


The  Field  Museum  possesses  a  set  of  5  eggs  of  this  species  taken 
in  the  vicinity  of  Calumet  Lake,  Chicago,  June  4,  1904. 


Suborder  CEPPH  I.      Loons  and  Auks. 

Family  ALCID^.      Auks,  Murres,  etc. 

The  Auks  are  confined  to  the  northern  hemisphere,  many  species 
being  found  in  very  high  latitudes.  They  range  along  the  northern 
coasts  of  both  the  Atlantic  and  Pacific  oceans  and  occasionally  wander 
to  temperate  regions,  but  never  very  far  south,  as  they  are  "  cold 
weather  birds."  They  are  gregarious,  especially  during  the  breeding 
season.  One  species,  the  Great  Auk,  was  at  one  time  common  along 
the  Atlantic  coast  from  northern  New  England  northward,  but  owing 
to  its  total  inability  to  fly  and  the  destruction  of  its  eggs  by  fishermen 
and  others,  it  was  entirely  exterminated  during  the  last  century. 


280     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Subfamily  ^THIIN^.      Auklets,   Guillemots,  etc. 

Genus   SYNTHLIBORAMPHUS   Brandt. 

6.     Synthliboramphus  antiquus  (GMEL.). 

ANCIENT  MURRELET. 

Adult  in  summer:  Size,  small;  depth  of  bill,  more  than  half  its 
length;  sides  of  neck  and  stripe  on  side  of  occiput  and  through  the 
eye,  white;  rest  of  head,  black;  back,  plumbeous,  with  lateral  streaks 
of  white;  under  parts,  white. 

Adult  in  winter:  Head,  dusky;  back,  plumbeous;  throat  and  under 
parts,  white. 

Length,  about  10  inches;    wing,  5.40;    bill,  .65. 

Mr.  Geo.  B.  Sennett  states  that  he  examined  an  adult  mounted 
specimen  of  this  species  at  "  Koshkonong  Place,"  which  was  killed 
late  in  October,  1882,  on  Lake  Koshkonong,  Wisconsin,  by  Rev.  G.  E. 
Gordon  (Auk,  1884,  p.  98  ).  The  occurrence  of  a  bird  of  this  species 
in  Wisconsin  is,  of  course,  most  extraordinary.  Its  true  habitat  is 
the  North  Pacific  ocean,  from  Vancouver  Island  northward. 


Subfamily   ALLIN^E.      Dovekies. 

Genus  ALLE  Link. 
6-1.     Alle   alle    (LINN.). 
DOVEKIE.     LITTLE  AUK. 

Distr.:  Coasts  of  north  Atlantic  and  eastern  Arctic  oceans;  casual 
in  winter  on  the  Atlantic  coast  as  far  south  as  New  Jersey;  accidental 
in  Michigan  and  Wisconsin. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


281 


Winter  plumage,  adult:  Upper  parts,  black  or  blackish;  under  parts, 
white;  smaller  than  the  preceding  species. 

Length,  about  8;   wing,  about  4.50;   bill,  .50. 

Prof.  Henry  L.  Ward  records  the  capture  of  a  single  specimen  of 
this  northern  maritime  species  near  Port  Washington,  Wisconsin, 
some  twenty-five  miles  north  of  Milwaukee.  It  was  shot  by  a  boy, 
January  n,  1908,  on  Lake  Michigan.  The  specimen  is  preserved  in 
the  Milwaukee  Public  Museum.  (The  Auk,  Vol.  XXV,  1908,  p.  215. ) 

It  has  also  been  taken  in  Michigan,  a  bird  of  this  species  having 
been  killed  on  the  Detroit  River,  November  30,  1881.  (O.  and  O., 
Vol.  VII,  p.  in.) 


Briinnich's  Murre,   Uria  lomvia  (Linn.}.     During  the  winter  of 
1896-97,   a  number   of  Briinnich's  Murres  were  taken   in   different 
parts  of  Indiana,  Michigan  (Detroit),  Ohio,  and  Iowa.     At  least  ten 
were  recorded  from  Indiana    (one  of  them  from  Newton  County), 
although  so  far  as  we  know  none  were  actually  taken  in  Illinois.     As 
the  birds  were  all  observed  about  the  same  time,  it  would  seem  likely 
that  they  were  driven  from  their  usual  hab- 
itat by   stress   of  weather.      It    is   probable 
that  these  birds  arrived  by  way  of  Lake  Erie, 
but  in  this  connection  a  statement  by  Messrs. 
Kumlien  and  Hollister  is  of  interest.     They 
say,  "We  are  confident  that  some  species  of 
Guillemot  occur  on  Lake  Superior  in  winter 
and  possibly  also  on  Lake  Michigan.     There 
is   no   positive   evidence  of  a  specimen  ever 

having  been  taken  in  Wisconsin  waters,  however."  (Birds  of  Wiscon- 
sin, 1903,  p.  129. )  Those  desiring  further  information  are  referred  to 
the  following  papers:  A.  W.  Butler,  Birds  of  Indiana,  1897,  p.  564; 
Ib.,  The  Auk,  Vol.  XIV,  1897,  p.  197;  F.  M.  Woodruff,  The  Auk, 
1897,  p.  228;  Anderson,  Birds  of  Iowa,  1907,  p.  152. 


Bill  of  Murre. 


282     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Family   GAVIID^.      Loons. 

The  Loons  are  a  small  family,  consisting  of  one  genus  and  five 
species,  three  of  which  occur  on  Lake  Michigan.  They  feed  prin- 
cipally upon  fish  and  are  expert  divers  and  swimmers,  rarely  leaving 
water,  except  during  the  nesting  season. 


Winter. 


Genus  GAVIA   Forster. 

7.     Gavia  immer  (BRUNN.). 
LOON. 

Urinator  imber  (Gunn.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  3. 

Distr.:  Ranges  throughout  the  northern  part  of  the  northern 
hemisphere,  breeding  from  the  northern  United  States  northward; 
south  in  winter  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  and  Lower  California. 

Adult  in  summer:  Head  and  neck,  black,  showing  green  in  some 
lights ;  a  patch  of  white,  streaked  with  black,  on  the  throat  and  sides 
of  the  neck;  under  parts,  white;  back,  streaked  and  spotted  with  white. 

Adult  in  winter,  and  immature:    Head,  grayish;    throat,  white  or 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


283 


grayish  white;  back  and  wings,  blackish,  the  feathers  often  with  gray- 
ish edgings  but  not  spotted  or  streaked  with  white. 

Its  large  size  will  distinguish  this  species. 

Length,  about  31;  wing,  13  to  15;  bill,  2.80  to  3.40;  tarsus,  about 
3-35- 


Loon. 

The  Loon  is  a  summer  resident,  and  breeds  in  northern  Illinois 
and  Wisconsin.  It  arrives  early  in  spring  and  leaves  late  in  the  fall; 
although  a  few  remain  on  Lake  Michigan  all  winter.  It  has  a  peculiar 
loud,  resonant  cry,  and  the  "laugh"  of  the  Loon  is  a  familiar  sound 
on  pond  and  lake.  It  breeds  in  May  and  June.  The  eggs  are  usu- 
ally 2,  pale  olive  brown,  marked  with  irregular  spots  of  black.  They 
are  deposited  on  the  ground  near  water,  sometimes  on  a  mat  of  leaves 
or  grass,"  but  usually  with  little  or  no  attempt  at  a  nest.  The  eggs 
measure  3.50  x  2.25  inches. 


284     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

8.     Gavia  arctica  (LINN.). 
BLACK-THROATED   LOON. 

Urinator  arcticus   (Linn.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p. 4. 

Distr.:  Northern  part  of  the  northern  hemisphere;  south  in  winter 
to  the  northern  United  States,  east  of  the  Rocky  mountains. 

Adult  in  summer:  Top  of  head  and  'nape,  gray;  throat,  black; 
upper  plumage,  black,  glossed  with  purplish  reflections;  sides  of  neck 
with  longitudinal  white  streaks;  rest  of  under  parts,  white. 

Adult  in  winter,  and  immature:  Upper  parts,  blackish,  many 
feathers  with  grayish  edgings;  throat  and  under  parts,  white. 

Length,  about  27;  wing,  11.50  to  13.15;  bill,  2.55  to  2.80;  depth 
of  bill  at  base,  about  .78. 

The  Black-throated  Loon  is  a  boreal  species  which  occasionally, 
but  rarely,  occurs  on  Lake  Michigan  in  late  fall  and  winter. 

"A  very  rare  winter  visitant  on  Lake  Michigan."  (Nelson,  Birds 
N.  E.  Illinois,  1876,  p.  150.)  "This  is  certainly  a  very  rare  bird 
in  Wisconsin,  occurring  only  as  a  straggler  in  late  fall  or  winter. 
We  have  access  to  but  three  unquestionable  records."  (Kumlien 
and  Hollister,  Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  7.)  "Exceedingly  rare; 
Lake  Michigan;  winter."  (A.  J.  Cook,  Birds  of  Michigan,  1893,  p.  30.) 

9.     Gavia  stellata  (PONTOPPIDAN). 
RED-THROATED  LOON. 

Urinator  lumme  (Gunn. ),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  4. 

Distr.:  Northern  North  America,  breeding  north  of  the  United 
States,  south  in  winter  occasionally  as  far  as  the  Gulf  of  Mexico. 

Adult  in  summer:  Back,  fuscous,  spotted  with  white;  throat  and 
fore  neck,  plumbeous  gray ;  middle  of  fore  neck  with  a  patch  of  rich 
chestnut;  back  of  neck,  black,  streaked  with  white;  rest  of  neck  and 
head,  plumbeous  gray;  breast  and  belly,  white. 

Adult  in  winter,  and  immature:  Similar  to  the  winter  plumage  of 
the  Black-throated  Loon,  but  the  back  is  spotted  with  white;  fore 
neck  and  throat,  white  or  grayish  white,  without  chestnut. 

Length,  25;  wing,  10.50  to  11.50;  bill,  2.30;  tarsus,  2.75 

While  this  species  varies  greatly  in  size,  and  size  and  shape  of  the 
bill,  it  is  never  as  large  as  G.  immer,  and  may  be  distinguished  from 
G.  arctica  in  the  adult  by  the  chestnut  red  throat  and  in  the  immature 
birds  by  the  white  spotting  of  the  upper  parts.  These  spots  are  most 
numerous  in  the  upper  back  and  wing  coverts  and  less  numerous 
but  larger  on  the  scapulars  and  tertials.  On  the  middle  of  the  back 
they  are  comparatively  few  and  scattered,  sometimes  almost  wanting. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


285 


The  Red-throated  Loon  is  not  uncommon  on  Lake  Michigan  dur- 
ing the  late  fall  and  winter.  "  Very  common  winter  resident  on  Lake 
Michigan."  (Nelson,  Birds  N.  E.  Illinois. )  "Not  uncommon  during 
winter."  (Hoy,  Wisconsin.)  "A  regular  and  common  resident  of 
Lake  Michigan  in  winter."  (Kumlien  and  Hollister,  Birds  of  Wiscon- 
sin.) "  Dispersed  in  winter  irregularly  over  the  northern  half  of  the 
Mississippi  valley."  (W.  W.  Cooke.)  "A  rare  winter  resident." 
(Butler,  Indiana.)  "  Rather  common."  (A.  J.  Cook,  Michigan.) 
Mr.  H.  K.  Coale  procured  a  specimen  near  Chicago  in  February,  1885. 


Red-throated  Loon. 
The  patch  on  the  throat  is  rich  chestnut,  not  black  as  might  be  suggested  by  the  illustratior 


ORDER  LONGIPENNES. 

LONG-WINGED  SWIMMERS. 

Family   STERCORARIID&.      Skuas 
and  Jaegers. 


, 


Jitger  (adult). 
(Immature  birds  lack  the  long  middle  tail  feathers.) 

The  Jaegers  are  pelagic  species,  although  they  occasionally  occur 
on  the  Great  Inland  Lakes.  They  feed  principally  upon  fish,  much 
of  which  they  obtain  by  chasing  and  robbing  the  gulls  and  terns  of 
their  prey.  Six  species  are  recognized,  four  of  which  occur  in  the 
northern  hemisphere  and  two  in  the  southern. 

Genus  STERCORARIUS  Brisson. 
10.     Stercorarius  pomarinus  (TEMM.). 

POMARINE    JjEGER. 

Distr. :  Seas  and  inland  waters  of  northern  part  of  northern  hemi- 
sphere; south  in  winter  to  Africa  and  Australia.  Its  winter  range  in 
America  is  uncertain. 

Adult  (light  phase  of  plumage):  Bill,  over  1.35,  tarsus,  over  1.75, 
upper  parts,  slaty  gray,  a  tinge  of  pale  yellow  on  the  sides  of  the  head 
and  neck;  crown  of  the  head  and  lores,  sooty  black;  under  parts, 
white,  shading  into  slaty  gray  on  sides  and  lower  belly;  ends  of  two 
middle  tail  feathers,  rounded. 

Adult  (dark  phase):  General  plumage,  sooty  brown,  slightly 
paler  below;  crown,  dark  brown. 

Immature  (light  phase ) :  Head  and  neck  streaked  with  buff  or 
gray;  under  parts  mottled  and  barred  with  slaty  gray;  upper  parts, 
dark  gray;  some  of  the  feathers  edged  with  buff. 

286 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  287 

Immature  (dark  phase):  General  color,  slaty  brown;  neck  marked 
with  white;  feathers  on  the  belly  barred  with  dull  white.  The  two 
middle  tail  feathers  are  rounded  at  tip,  and  project  more  or  less  be- 
yond the  others  and  the  tarsus  is  black  in  freshly  killed  specimens. 

Length,  20  to  22;  wing,  13.25  to  14;  bill,  1.40  to  1.65;  tarsus, 
1.40  to  1.50. 

The  records  for  Illinois  are  not  very  satisfactory  and  at  most  it 
is  a  rare  straggler  on  Lake  Michigan.  Nelson  saw  one  near  Chicago' 
in  1876,  and  was  told  of  another  having  been  seen.  (Bull.  Essex 
Inst.,  Vol.  VIII,  p.  145,  1877.)  For  Wisconsin,  Kumlien  and  Hollis- 
ter  state  that  three  were  seen  on  Green  Bay  in  October,  1879,  and  L. 
Kumlien  secured  one  on  Lake  Koshkonong  about  the  same  time. 

II.     Stercorarius  longicaudus  VIEILL. 
LONG-TAILED  JAEGER. 

Distr.:  Northern  part  of  northern  hemisphere,  breeding  in  high 
latitudes;  south  to  Gulf  of  Mexico  in  winter. 

Adult:  Bill,  less  than  1.35  ;  cere  (the  hard  skin-like  covering  on  base 
of  upper  mandible),  shorter  than  the  distance  from  its  anterior  end  to- 
tip  of  bill;  tarsus,  blue  in  freshly  killed  specimens;  feet,  black;  above 
slaty  gray;  top  of  head  and  lores,  dull  black;  sides  of  the  head  and 
neck,  pale  yellow;  under  parts,  dark  slate  color;  chest  and  upper 
belly,  whitish ;  middle  tail  feathers  pointed. 

Immature:  Resembles  the  preceding  species  in  color;  but  differs  in 
length  of  bill  and  having  the  middle  tail  feathers  pointed. 

Length,  19  to  23;  wing,  12.50;  tail  (adult),  12.50,  (immature),. 
6;  tarsus,  1.65;  bill,  i.io. 

Long-tailed  Jaeger  has  but  a  slight  claim  to  be  included  in  the 
avifauna  of  Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  although  the  occurrence  of  occa- 
sional stragglers  of  this  species  on  Lake  Michigan  is  not  unlikely.. 
A  specimen  identified  as  the  Long-tailed  Jasger  was  picked  up  dead 
on  the  shore  of  the  Mississippi  River  near  Cairo,  111.,  by  Mr.  W.  H. 
Ballou,  in  November,  1876.  It  was  badly  decomposed  and  after  being 
examined  by  Mr.  Ballou  and  another  gentleman,  was  thrown  away. 
(Ridgway,  Orn.  of  111.,  Vol.  II,  p.  218.)  This  seems  to  be  the  only 
record  for  either  Illinois  or  Wisconsin,  but  Mr.  Rudolph  M.  Anderson 
records  a  specimen  captured  near  Lone  Tree,  Johnson  County,  Iowar 
in  June,  1907.  (The  Auk,  Vol.  XXV,  1908,  p.  215.) 

Parasitic  Jaeger,  Stercorarius  parasiticus  (Linn.).  While  there  is 
no  actua_l  record  of  the  occurrence  of  this  species  within  our  limits, 
according  to  Prof.  Ridgway,  it  is  of  "occasional  occurrence  on  Lake 


288     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Michigan  during  winter."  (Ornithology  of  Illinois,  1895,  p.  217.)  A 
bird  of  this  species  was  shot  on  the  Mississippi  River  near  Keokuk, 
Iowa,  October  6,  1896;  and  the  specimen  is  preserved  in  the  collection 
of  Mr.  William  G.  Praeger.  (Anderson,  Birds  of  Iowa,  1908,  p.  153. ) 

The  Parasitic  Jaeger  may  be  distinguished  from  the  Pomarine 
Jaeger  by  its  shorter  bill  (less  than  1.35)  and  having  the  middle  tail 
feathers  pointed,  not  rounded  at  the  ends  as  in  S.  pomarinus,  and  from 
the  Long-tailed  Jaeger  by  having  the  cere  longer  than  the  distance 
from  its  end  to  tip  of  bill. 

Skua,  Megalestris  skua  (Briinn. ) .  Mr.  Ridgway  included  this 
species  in  his  Ornithology  of  Illinois  (1895,  p.  212),  but  I  find  no 
record  of  its  occurrence  in  Illinois.  It  is  a  north  Atlantic  species, 
which  is  rare  on  the  Atlantic  coast  of  North  America. 

Family    LARID^E.      Gulls  and  Terns. 

The  Gulls  and  Terns  are  a  cosmopolitan  family,  numbering  about 
seventy  species.  They  are  true  water  birds,  being  rarely  found  away 
from  its  vicinity.  Many  species  occur  both  along  the  coasts  and  on 
the  lakes  of  the  interior.  They  usually  breed  in  colonies,  making  their 
nests  upon  the  ground  or  on  ledges  of  rocks  and  cliffs  (rarely  in  trees ) . 
They  feed  principally  upon  fish,  but  at  times  some  species  eat  the 
young  and  eggs  of  other  birds,  and  occasionally  small  mammals.  The 
Gulls  are  in  most  cases  larger  than  the  Terns  and  much  less  graceful. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  — CORY.  289 


Subfamily   LARIN^E.     Gulls. 

Genus   RISSA  Stephens. 

12.     Rissa  tridactyla  (LINN.). 

KITTIWAKE  GULL. 

Distr.:  Arctic  regions,  south  in  winter  to  the  middle  states, 
accidental  on  Lake  Michigan. 

Adult  in  summer:  Hind  toe,  very  small,  without  nail;  head, 
neck,  and  tail,  white,  rest  of  upper  plumage,  pearl  gray;  under  parts, 
white;  outer  web  of  first  primary,  black;  second  and  third  primaries, 
tipped  with  black;  ends  of  third,  fourth,  and  fifth,  black,  tipped  with 
white. 

Adult  in  winter:  Differs  in  having  the  crown  and  nape  pearl  gray, 
and  a  sooty  plumbeous  mark  on  side  of  the  head  in  front  of  and 
behind  the  eye. 

Immature  birds  somewhat  resemble  the  winter  plumage  of  the 
adult,  but  differ  in  having  a  patch  of  dusky  or  black  on  the  lower 
part  of  the  back  of  the  neck,  more  or  less  black  on  the  lesser  wing 
coverts,  and  a  broad  black  band  at  the  tip  of  the  tail. 

The  rudimentary  hind  toe  will  distinguish  this  species. 

Length,  about  16.50;  wing,  about  12.20;  bill,  about  1.45;  tarsus, 
1.32. 

The  Kittiwake  Gull  must  be  considered  a  rare  straggler  on  Lake 
Michigan.  Mr.  J.  Grafton  Parker  informs  me  that  he  has  a  specimen 
in  his  collection,  which  he  killed  near  Meredosia,  Morgan  Co.,  Illinois, 
on  November  25,  1898.  Mr.  Frank  M.  Woodruff  writes,  "An  adult 
male  of  this  species  was  taken  by  Mr.  Christopher  Wagner,  who  was 
shooting  from  a  boat  on  Lake  Michigan  near  what  is  known  as,  Jack- 
knife  Bridge  in  Lincoln  Park.  The  bird  was  purchased  for  the  col- 
lection of  the  Chicago  Academy  of  Sciences  by  Mr.  Chas.  M.  Higgin- 
son."  (The  Auk,  1897,  p.  228.)  Nelson  (in  his  Birds  of  Northeastern 
Illinois,  1876,  p.  46 )  states,  "A  rare  winter  visitant  to  Lake  Michigan. 
Dr.  Hoy  writes  that  in  the  winter  of  1870  a  single  specimen  of  this 
species  kept  about  the  harbor  for  several  days,  but  was  too  shy  to  be 
shot.  He  is  quite  certain  of  his  identification,  as  he  examined  the 
bird  carefully  with  a  large  field  glass  while  it  was  standing  upon  a 
piece  of  ice  just  out  of  gun  shot."  Mr.  W.  W.  Cooke  says,  "A  northern 
species  jcoming  south  in  winter  to  the  Great  Lakes.  It  has  been 
noted  from  Minnesota  (Hatch)  and  Illinois  (Nelson)  and  March  17, 


290     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — -ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

1884,  one  was  seen  by  Dr.  P.  R.  Hoy,  at  Racine,  Wisconsin."      (Bird 
Migr.  Miss.  Valley,  1888,  p.  55.) 


Genus  LARUS  Linn. 
13.     Larus  hyperboreus  GUNN. 
GLAUCOUS  GULL. 

Larus  glaucus  Briinn.,  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  16. 

Distr.:  Arctic  regions,  south  in  winter  to  New  England,  New  York, 
and  the  Great  Lakes. 

Adult  in  summer:  General  plumage,  except  back  and  wings,  white; 
back,  pale  pearl  gray;  wings,  pearl  gray;  primaries,  pearl  gray,  shad- 
ing into  white  on  the  edges  of  the  inner  webs  and  at  the  tips. 

Adult  in  winter:  Similar,  but  having  the  head  and  neck  streaked 
with  pale  gray. 

Immature  birds  have  the  upper  plumage  pale  gray  or  whitish, 
heavily  marked  and  barred  with  pale  brown  and  gray;  under  parts 
ash  gray  or  grayish  white,  often  marked  with  buff. 

Length,  about  27  to  32;  wing,  17  to  18.70;   bill,  about  2.50. 

The  Glaucous  Gull  is  a  rare  winter  visitant  on  Lake  Michigan. 
Both  this  and  the  Iceland  Gull  have  the  primaries  white,  pearl  white » 
or  pale  ash  color,  never  marked  with  dark  brown  or  black. 

"A  rather  rare  winter  visitant  to  Lake  Michigan."  (Nelson.) 
"Occasionally  visits  Lake  Michigan  in  winter."  (Ridgway.)  Mr. 
Frank  M.  Woodruff  states  that  he  killed  a  bird  of  this  species  on  Lake 
Michigan  near  Millers,  Indiana,  on  August  8,  1897,  describing  it  as  "in 
the  pure  white  plumage  of  the  young  of  the  second  year."  (The  Auk, 
Vol.,  XV,  1898,  p.  61.)  "In  the  Milwaukee  Public  Museum  are  three 
specimens  procured  at  Milwaukee,  January  8,  12,  and  14,  1895." 
(Kumlien  and  Hollister,  Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  9.) 


14.     Larus  leucopterus  FABER. 
ICELAND  GULL. 

Distr.:  Arctic  regions,  south  in  winter  to  New  England  and  the 
Great  Lakes,  and  occasionally  further  south. 
Adult:  Similar  to  Glaucous  Gull,  but  smaller. 
Length,  24  to  26;   wing,  15  to  16.60;  bill,  1.60  to  1.75. 
Apparently  a  rare  winter  visitant  to  Lake  Michigan. 
"Rare."     (A.  J.  Cook,  Birds  of  Michigan.)      "  An  occasional  winter 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  291 

visitor  to  the  northern  part  of  the  state."  (A.  W.  Butler,  Birds  of 
Indiana,  1897,  p.  571.)  "A  regular  and  not  uncommon  winter  resi- 
dent on  Lake  Michigan."  (Nelson,  Birds  N.  E.  111.,  1876,  p.  145.) 
"A  regular  winter  visitant  on  Lake  Michigan,  but  by  no  meansvcom- 
mon,  although  occurring  more  frequently  than  glaucus."  (Kumlien 
and  Hollister,  Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  9.) 


15.     Larus  marinus  LINN. 
GREAT  BLACK-BACKED  GULL. 

Diitr.:  North  Atlantic  ocean,  south  in  winter  to  the  middle  states 
and  the  Great  Lakes,  and  occasionally  much  further  south  (accidental 
in  Florida). 

Adult  in  summer:  Whole  back,  dark  slate  color;  outer  primaries, 
black  (slaty  black  when  held  in  the  light),  tipped  with  white;  head, 
tail,  and  under  parts,  white;  bill,  chrome  yellow,  with  red  spot  on 
lower  mandible. 

Adult  in  winter:  Similar,,  but  with  head  and  neck-  streaked  with 
pale  brownish  gray. 

Immature:  General  plumage  mottled  and  streaked  with  gray  and 
pale  brown,  many  feathers  with  pale  edges;  primaries,  brownish  black, 
the  inner  ones  narrowly  tipped  with  white;  bill,  blackish. 

Length,  28  to  31.50;  wing,  17.50  to  19.50;  bill,  2.42  to  2.55; 
greatest  depth  of  bill,  .92  to  1.05. 

Although  apparently  not  very  common,  this  species  occurs  on 
Lake  Michigan  in  the  late  fall  and  winter.  "Not  an  uncommon 
winter  resident  upon  Lake  Michigan.  The  immature  young  are 
greatly  in  excess  of  the  adult."  (Nelson,  Birds  N.  E.  111.,  1876,  p. 
145.)  "We  have  seen  this  well  marked  species  on  Lake  Michigan  at 
the  Milwaukee  Light  House,  midwinter,  1 880-81,  and  on  at  least  two 
occasions,  out  on  the  Lake.  It  is,  however,  rare."  (Kumlien  and 
Hollister,  Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  9.) 

16.     Larus  argentatus  PONTOPPIDAN. 
HERRING  GULL. 

Larus  argentatus  Briinn.,  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  P-  J8- 
Distr.:   Nearly  the  whole  of  North   America,  south  to  Cuba  in 
winter;   breeds  from  the  latitude  of  Maine  and  Wisconsin  northward. 
Adult  in  summer:  Back,  pale  bluish  gray,  or  pearl  gray;  primaries, 
brownisii  black,  more  or  less  marked  with  white;  rest  of  plumage, 
white;  bill,  yellow,  a  red  spot  on  lower  mandible  at  the  angle. 


292     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Adult  in  winter:  Similar,  but  with  head  and  neck  streaked  and 
spotted  with  brownish  gray;  tail  feathers  marked  with  more  or  less 
dusky;  bill,  yellowish. 

Immature:  Bill,  dull  flesh  color,  the  terminal  third,  black;  general 
plumage  mottled  and  streaked  with  gray  and  pale  brown,  the  feathers 
on  the  back  margined  with  gray;  primaries,  dark  brown. 

Length,  22  to  25.50;  wing,  16.20  to  17.50;  bill,  1.90  to  2.50; 
greatest  depth  of  bill,  .70  to  .85. 

The  Herring  Gull  is  common  on  Lake  Michigan  in  winter  and  dur- 
ing the  migrations  and  is  often  seen  on  the  Lake  near  Chicago.  It 
breeds  in  Wisconsin. 

"Very  abundant  winter  resident  upon  Lake  Michigan  and  occurs 
throughout  the  state."  (Nelson.)  "As  a  rule  it  is  found  in  winter 
throughout  Illinois  and  thence  southward  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico." 
(W.  W.  Cooke.)  "Very  common  on  Lake  Michigan  at  almost  all 
seasons  and  a  common  migrant  on  all  suitable  waters  of  the  state  of 
Wisconsin.  Nests  commonly  on  different  islands  of  Green  Bay  and 
on  the  north  shore  of  Lake  Michigan."  (Kumlien  and  Hollister, 
Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  9.) 

It  breeds  in  May  or  early  in  June.  The  nest  is  composed  of  grass 
and  moss  on  the  ground  or  rocks  (very  rarely  in  trees).  The  eggs 
are  from  2  to  3,  pale  olive  brown,  blotched  and  lined  with  chocolate 
brown,  and  measure  about  2.80  x  1.90  inches. 


17.     Larus  delawarensis  ORD. 
RING-BILLED  GULL. 

Distr.:  Nearly  the  whole  of  North  America,  south  in  winter  to 
Mexico  and  Cuba. 

Adult  in  summer:  Back  and  wing  coverts,  pearl  gray;  terminal 
portion  of  inner  primaries,  black,  tipped  with  white;  terminal  portion 
of  first  primary,  black,  with  large  white  spot  near  the  tip;  head,  tail, 
and  under  parts,  white;  bill,  greenish  yellow,  with  a  black  band. 

Adult  in  winter:  Similar,  but  having  the  head  and  neck  streaked 
with  gray;  black  band  on  the  bill  much  less  distinct. 

Immature:  General  plumage,  whitish,  more  or  less  mottled  and 
streaked  with  gray  and  brownish  gray;  tail  feathers  marked  with  more 
or  less  brownish  black,  forming  a  broad,  irregular  black  band  with 
narrow  white  tips;  primaries,  blackish,  only  the  inner  ones  tipped 
with  white;  bill  with  basal  portion,  brownish  yellow  and  the  entire 
end  from  the  nostril,  black. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  293 


Bonaparte's  Gul 


Herring  Gull. 


Ring-billed  Gull. 


Length,  18.10  to  20.25;  wmg.  I3-5°  to  15.75;  bill,  1.50  to  1.70; 
greatest  depth  of  bill,  .52  to  .68. 

The  Ring-billed  Gull  is  a  common  species  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin 
during  the  migrations  and  occasionally  a  few  remain  on  Lake  Michigan 
all  winter.  A  few  pairs  occasionally  breed  in  Wisconsin,  but  the  great 
majority  of  them  go  much  farther  north. 


294     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

"  Common  migrant  along  the  Lake,  very  rarely  remains  through 
winter."  (Nelson,  Birds  N.  E.  111.,  1876,  p.  146.)  A  common  migrant, 
spring  and  fall.  Formerly  bred  on  Spider  and  Strawberry  Islands, 
Green  Bay,  from  which  localities  we  have  eggs."  (Kumlien  and  Hoi- 
lister,  Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  10.) 


18.     Larus  atri cilia  LINN. 
LAUGHING  GULL. 

Distr.:  Atlantic  and  Gulf  coasts  of  United  States,  occasionally 
north  to  Maine  and  even  Nova  Scotia;  south  in  winter  to  West  Indies, 
Mexico,  Central  America,  and  northern  South  America. 

Adult  in  summer:  Bill,  dark  red;  head  and  throat,  dusky  black; 
a  white  spot  on  each  eyelid;  outer  primaries,  brownish  black;  back, 
slaty  gray;  under  parts,  white;  tail,  white. 

Adult  in  winter:  Similar,  but  has  the  head  and  throat  white,  and 
at  times  the  crown  and  back  of  the  neck  streaked  with  gray. 

Immature:  Bill,  blackish;  upper  plumage  and  most  of  head  and 
neck,  gray,  mixed  with  pale  buff;  forehead,  whitish;  tail  feathers, 
gray,  with  broad,  subterminal  band  of  dark  brown,  and  narrowly 
tipped  with  white. 

The  color  and  markings  of  the  primaries  and  larger  size  will  dis- 
tinguish this  species  from  Franklin's  Gull. 

Length,  14.75  to  17;  wing,  12.10  to  13.15;  bill,  1.45  to  1.75. 

While  rarely  found  in  the  interior,  the  Laughing  Gull  has  been 
given  a  place  in  the  avifauna  of  both  Illinois  and  Wisconsin.  If 
it  occurs  at  all  it  must  be  considered  an  accidental  straggler  within 
our  limits.  When  not  actually  taken,  its  resemblance  to  Franklin's 
Gull  might  lead  to  error  in  identification. 

"  Very  abundant  on  the  Great  Lakes."  (Dr.  Morris  Gibbs,  List 
of  Birds  of  Michigan,  Bull.  U.  S.  G.  and  G.  Survey,  No.  3,  1879.) 
This  is  undoubtedly  an  error.  "Summer  visitant."  (Ridgway, 
An.  .N.  Y.  Lyceum  Nat.  Hist.,  1874,  p.  391.)  "Probably  only  an 
irregular  or  casual  visitor  to  the  Mississippi  Valley."  (Ridgway, 
Orn.  of  Illinois,  Vol.  II,  1895,  p.  234.)  "A  few  pass  up  the  Missis- 
sippi during  the  summer  as  far  as  southern  Illinois."  (Cooke. ) 
"  The  only  known  Wisconsin  record  for  this  species  is  that  of  Thure 
Kumlien,  who  shot  a  single  specimen  on  Lake  Koshkonong  in  July, 
1860."  (Kumlien  and  Hollister,  Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1803,  p.  10. ) 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  295 

19.     Larus  franklinii  Sw.  &  RICH. 
FRANKLIN'S  GULL. 

Distr.:  Interior  of  North  America,  chiefly  west  of  the  Mississippi 
River;  breeding  from  Manitoba,  western  Minnesota,  and  Dakota 
northward;  south  in  winter  to  Central  and  South  America  to  Peru. 
Rare  on  the  Atlantic  coast.  This  species  occurs  on  Lake  Michigan 
and  in  the  interior  during  the  migrations. 

Adult  in  summer:  Bill,  red;  head  and  upper  throat,  plumbeous 
black;  a  white  spot  on  each  eyelid;  under  parts,  white,  usually  tinged 
with  rose  color;  back  and  wings,  pearl  gray;  tail,  white;  first  primary, 
pale  grayish  white,  almost  white;  the  outer  web,  black,  except  near 
the  tip;  a  patch  of  black  on  the  inner  web  about  an  inch  and  a  half 
from  the  tip;  the  second,  third,  fourth,  and  fifth  primaries  with  white 
tips  and  a  subterminal  band  of  black. 

Adult  in  winter:  General  plumage  and  markings  similar,  but  has 
.the  head  and  neck  white  marked  with  more  or  less  dusky  gray  on  the 
top  and  sides  of  the  head;  bill,  blackish. 

Immature:  Bill,  dark  brown  or  blackish;  under  parts,  white;  crown 
and  sides  of  head,  dusky;  the  gray  of  back  and  wings  mixed  with 
pale  brown;  primaries,  grayish  dusky,  darkest  on  outer  webs;  all 
primaries  tipped  with  white,  but  at  times  so  narrowly  on  the  first 
and  second  as  to  be  hardly  noticeable. 

Length,  13.40  to  14.75;    wmg>  10.80  to  11.30;    bill,  1.15  to  1.25. 

Franklin's  Gull  must  be  considered  a  rare  bird  in  Illinois.  Mr. 
Chas.  K.  Worthen,  of  Warsaw,  Illinois,  writes,  "There  is  a  beautiful 
adult  male  of  this  species  mounted  in  the  State  Museum  at  Spring- 
field, which  I  took  in  May,  1875.  It  was  flying  over  a  pond  in  the 
Mississippi  bottom  three  miles  below  here."  (Ridgway,  Bull.  Nutt. 
Orn.  Club,  1880,  p.  32.)  "A  rare  visitant  to  Lake  Michigan."  (Nel- 
son, Birds  N.  E.  111.,  1876,  p.  146.)  "  Not  common  but  of  regular 
occurrence  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  state  as  a  fall  migrant.  *  *  * 
On  Lake  Michigan  it  is  less  common  than  anywhere  in  the  interior. 
*  *  *  It  seems  remarkable  that  so  few  spring  specimens  are  obtained 
in  eastern  Wisconsin."  (Kumlien  and  Hollister,  Birds  of  Wisconsin, 
1903,  p.  10.) 

This  species  should  be  looked  for  along  the  Mississippi  River,  as 
it  is  a  not  uncommon  summer  resident  and  breeds  in  Minnesota. 


296     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

20.     Larus  Philadelphia  (ORD). 

BONAPARTE'S  GULL. 

Distr. :  North  America,  breeding  chiefly  north  of  the  United  States ; 
south  in  winter  to  the  Gulf  coast. 

Adult  in  summer:  Bill,  black;  whole  head,  including  throat,  dark 
sooty  plumbeous;  a  white  spot  on  the  eyelids;  back,  pearl  gray, 

shading  into  white  at  the  base  of  the 
neck;  under  parts,  white;  feet,  orange 
red;  tail,  white;  first  primary,  white, 
with  outer  web  and  tip,  black;  second 
primary,  white,  tipped  with  black; 
rest  of  primaries  with  subterminal 
band  of  black  tipped  with  white. 

Adult    in    winter:      Similar,    but 
Bonaparte's  GUH.    Summer.  having  the   head  and  throat   white, 

Bonaparte's  Gull Joses^ the  blackhead  in        an(J    the    CTOWn  and  Sides  of  the  head 

showing  more  or  less  gray. 

Immature:  Upper  plumage  mixed  with  more  or  less  gray  and  pale 
brown ;  under  parts,  white ;  tail  with  black  band  narrowly  tipped  with 
white. 

Length  12.10  to  14;   wing,  about  10.25;   bill,  about  1.15. 

This  species  is  abundant  at  times  on  Lake  Michigan  and  in  the 
interior  during  the  migrations  in  spring  and  fall.  The  majority  arrive 
from  the  south  early  in  April. 

"  Exceedingly  abundant  migrant.  *  *  *  In  very  mild  winters  a 
few  remain  during  the  season."  (Nelson.)  "A  transient  migrant  in 
Illinois,  occasionally  wintering  in  the  southern  part  of  the  state." 
Ridgway.)  "Winters  along  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  and  southward  and 
sometimes  in  Illinois."  (Cooke.)  "The  systematic  slaughter  of  this 
beautiful  gull  for  millinery  purposes  has  so  reduced  its  numbers  that 
we  can  no  longer  claim  it  as  our  most  abundant  species."  (Kumlien 
and  Hollister,  Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  u.) 

Genus  XEMA  Leach. 
21.     Xema  sabinii   (SAB.). 

SABINE'S  GULL. 

Distr.:  Arctic  regions,  south  in  winter  occasionally  to  New  York, 
the  Great  Lakes,  and  Great  Salt  Lake.  Stragglers  have  been  taken 
in  Kansas,  Iowa*,  Bahama  Islands,  and  Peru,  S.  A. 

*  Dr.  Paul  Bartsch  records  two  immature  specimens  taken  near  Burlington,  Iowa.  (The  Auk, 
Vol.  xvi,  1899,  P.  86.) 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  297 

Adult  in  summer:  Bill,  shorter  than  tarsus;  tail,  somewhat  forked; 
legs   and   feet,    black;     head  and  upper  neck,  plumbeous,  bordered 

around  the  neck  by  a  black  collar; 
outer  primaries,  black;  rest  of  plum- 
age, white;  bill,  black,  tipped  with  dull 
yellow;  inner  web  of  first  primary, 
about  half  white;  shaft  of  feathers, 
dark  brown  on  upper  surface. 

Adult  in  winter:  Similar,  but  hav- 
ing the  head  and  neck  white;   marked 
Sabine's  Gull.  on  back  of  head,  neck,  and  ear  coverts 

with  dusky. 

Length,  12.75  to  J4>  wm&>  10  to  11.20;  bill,  about  i;  tarsus,  1.20. 
Sabine's  Gull  is  an  Arctic  species,  accidental  or  very  rare  on  Lake 
Michigan.  Mr.  E.  W.  Nelson  states,  "Exceedingly  rare  visitant 
to  Lake  Michigan.  While  collecting  on  the  lake  shore  near  Chicago 
the  first  of  April,  1873,  I  saw  a  specimen  of  this  bird  in  a  small  pool 
of  water  on  the  beach.  At  first  I  supposed  it  was  a  Bonaparte  Gull 
and  was  about  passing  it  when  it  arose  and  as  it  passed  towards  the 
Lake  I  saw  it  was  something  new  to  me  and  fired.  It  flew  a  few  rods 
and  fell  into  the  Lake  about  30  yards  from  shore.  It  was  in  perfect 
breeding  dress,  as  was  shown  by  the  black  markings  of  the  head  each 
time  it  was  raised  while  struggling  in  the  water.  A  gale  from  off 
shore  soon  drifted  it  from  sight."  (Birds  N.  E.  111.,  1876,  p.  147.) 
According  to  Kumlien  and  Hollister:  "A  young  male  was  shot  on 
Delavan  Lake,  Walworth  Co.,  October  7,  1900,  by  Mr.  H.  P.  Hare,  and 
is  now  preserved  in  the  collection  of  N.  Hollister.  This  is  probably 
the  only  authenticated  Wisconsin  specimen  extant.  *  *  * 
In  April,  1897,  we  examined  and  identified  two  fresh  wings  of  this 
species  brought  by  a  taxidermist  in  Janesville  to  be  prepared  for  a  hat. 
The  bird  was  killed  on  Rock  River  near  that  city."  (Birds  of  Wis., 
1903,  p.  12.) 


Subfamily  STERNIN^.      Terns. 

The  Terns  have  the  upper  mandible  nearly  straight,  not  hooked 
or  rounded  at  the  tip  as  in  the  Gulls.  The  outer  tail  feathers  are 
usually  decidedly  longer  than  the  middle  ones.  With  few  exceptions 
the  North  American  Terns  are  smaller  than  the  Gulls. 


298     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Genus  GELOCHELIDON   Brehm. 

22.     Gelochelidon  nilotica  (HASSELQ.). 

GULL-BILLED  TERN. 

Distr.:  Nearly  cosmopolitan ;  occurs  in  North  America  chiefly  along 
Gulf  of  Mexico  and  Atlantic  coast  as  far  north  as  New  Jersey  (ac- 
cidental in  Massachusetts) ;  winters  from  the  West  Indies  and  Mexico 
south  to  Brazil. 

Adult  in  summer:  Top  of  head  and  nape,  black;  upper  part,  includ- 
ing rump  and  tail,  pearl  gray;  under  parts,  white;  bill  and  feet,  black, 

the  former  comparatively  short 
and  stout. 

Adult  in  winter :  Similar,  but 
having  the  head  and  neck  white, 
the  nape,  ashy,  and  a  dusky 
patch  in  front  of  the  eye. 

Length,  14;  wing,  12;  tail, 
5.50;  bill,  1.40;  tarsus,  1.30. 

It  is  far  easier  to  establish  a 
record  than  it  is  to  reject  one, 
because  we  must  assume  that  an 

author  who  makes  the  statement  that  a  bird  occurs  in  a  certain 
locality  must  have  a  satisfactory  reason  for  so  doing.  It  is  not 
given  on  hearsay  evidence,  but  is  a  plain  statement  of  fact,  or  must 
be  accepted  as  such  until  we  have  good  reason  to  doubt  it.  There- 
fore, although  I  have  never  seen  a  specimen  of  this  Tern  taken 
•either  in  Illinois  or  Wisconsin,  and  can  find  no  record  of  its  actual 
capture  in  either  state,  I  include  it  upon  the  authority  of  the 
following  published  statements. 

"An  exceedingly  rare  visitant  during  summer."  (Nelson,  Birds 
N.  E.  111.,  1876,  p.  147.)  "Rare  summer  visitor."  (Ridgway,  Cat. 
Birds  Illinois,  1881,  p.  202.)  "  Rather  common."  (A.  J.  Cook,  Birds 
Michigan,  1893,  p.  34.)  Also  included  in  Prof.  Ridgway's  Ornithology 
of  Illinois,  probably  on  some  other  authority,  as  he  makes  no  remarks 
whatever  concerning  it.  It  was  included  by  Dr.  Hoy  in  his  list  of 
Wisconsin  Birds  of  1852.  Kumlien  and  Hollister  say:  "We  know 
of  no  actual  record  for  Wisconsin  and  have  never  seen  the  bird  in 
the  north."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  130.) 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


299 


Genus  STERNA  Linn. 

23.     Sterna  caspia  PALLAS. 

CASPIAN  TERN. 

Sterna  tschegrava  (Lepech),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  23. 

Distr.:  A  nearly  cosmopolitan  species;  in  'North  America  breed- 
ing along  the  middle  Atlantic  and  Pacific  coasts  and  in  parts  of  the 
interior. 

Adult  in  spring:  Entire  top  of  head,  black,  the  black  extending 
below  the  eye;  the  occipital  feathers,  lengthened,  extending  to  the 


Caspian  Tern. 

nape;  back  and  wings,  pale  pearl  gray;  rest  of  plumage,  white;  pri- 
maries, ash  gray;  no  white  on  inner  webs;  bill,  red;  feet,  black. 

Adult  in  winter,  and  in  summer  after  the  breeding  season:  Similar, 
but  has  the  head  streaked  with  black  and  white. 

Immature:  Differs  in  having  the  head  spotted  and  streaked  with 
black  and  white,  the  upper  parts  more  or  less  marked  with  brown 
and  dusky;  tail  with  irregular  bars  of  black. 

Length,  about  20  to  23.50;  wing,  15.25  to  17;  tail,  5  to  6.25;  tar- 
sus, 1.50  to  i. 60;  bill,  2.66  to  2.90;  depth  of  bill  at  base,  about  .90. 

The  Caspian  Tern  occurs  casually  on  Lake  Michigan  in  summer 
and  occasionally  in  winter,  and  has  been  found  breeding  on  islands  in 
Green  Bay,  Wisconsin.  The  nest  is  merely  a  depression  in  the  sand 
with  little  or  no  lining.  The  eggs  are  2,  dull  white  or  whitish  with 


300     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

small  spots  or  marks  of  chocolate  brown,  and  measure  about  2.75  x 
i. 80  inches. 

"  An  irregular  but  not  uncommon  visitant  during  the  migrations 
and  in  winter  upon  Lake  Michigan."  (Nelson.)  "  Not  common, 
except  perhaps  on  northern  Lake  Michigan  and  Green  Bay.  Breeds, 
or  did  in  1879-80-81-84  and  1893,  on  different  islands  in  Green 
Bay  and  on  the  north  shore.  Frequently  found  on  Lake  Michigan  in 
winter."  (Kumlien  and  Hollister,  Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  12.) 

Prof.  Henry  L.  Ward  found  this  species  breeding  in  company 
with  Herring  Gulls  on  Gravel  Island,  Dove  County,  Michigan,  in  July, 
1905.  (Bull.  Wisconsin  Nat.  Hist.  Soc.,  Vol.  IV,  No.  4,  1906,  p.  113.) 

24.     Sterna  maxima  BODD. 
ROYAL  TERN. 

Distr.:  Tropical  America  and  warmer  parts  of  North  America, 
casually  as  far  north  as  Massachusetts  and  perhaps  the  Great  Lakes. 

Adult  in  spring:  Entire  top  of  head,  black,  including  but  not  ex- 
tending below  the  eye;  the  black  occipital  feathers  lengthened  like 


Royal  Tern. 
Top  of  head  is  at  times  entirely  black. 

a  crest;  back  and  wings,  pale  pearl  gray;  rest  of  plumage,  white; 
greater  portion  of  the  inner  web  of  the  outer  primaries,,  white;  bill, 
orange  red;  feet,  blackish,  becoming  dull  yellow  on  the  soles. 

Adult  in  winter,  and  in  summer  after  the  breeding  season:  Similar, 
but  the  top  of  the  head  streaked  with  black  and  white. 

Immature:  Head  spotted  and  streaked  black  and  white;   the  gray 
upper  parts  marked  with  buff,  pale  brown,  and  blackish. 
.     Aside  from  the  difference  in  size,  the  white  markings  on  the  outer 
primaries  will  distinguish  this  species  from  the  Caspian  Tern  in  any 
plumage. 

Length,  18  to  20;  wing,  13.75  to  X5;   tail,  6  to  8;  bill,  2.45  to  2.70; 
depth  of  bill  at  base,  about  .70;   tarsus,  1.30  to  1.35. 


JAX.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  301 

If  the  Royal  Tern  occurs  in  Illinois  or  Wisconsin  or  even  on  Lake 
Michigan,  it  is  a  very  rare  bird.  We  have  no  positive  evidence  of  its 
having  been  taken  in  either  state. 

"A  summer  visitant  in  Illinois."  (W.  W.  Cooke,  Bird  Migration 
Mississippi  Valley,  1888,  p.  57.)  "Although  accredited  to  Illinois  as 
an  irregular  or  casual  summer  visitor,  it  is  possible  that  individuals 
of  the  Caspian  Tern  have  been  mistaken  for  it."  (Ridgway.)  "An 
exceedingly  rare  summer  visitant  to  Lake  Michigan.  A  specimen 
was  taken  at  Milwaukee  many  years  since  and  preserved  in  a  museum 
there  (Hoy)."  (Nelson,  Birds  N.  E.  Illinois,  1876,  p.  147.)  "The 
only  reference  to  this  species  as  a  bird  of  Wisconsin  that  we  know  of 
is  that  of  Dr.  Hoy.  *  *  *  Dr.  Hoy  does  not  mention  caspia, 
which  makes  us  suspicious  that  the  specimen  referred  to  was  of  that 
species.  Furthermore,  we  carefully  went  through  the  Natural  His- 
tory Society's  collection  at  Milwaukee  a  number  of  times  between 
1873  and  1875,  and  although  there  used  to  be  an  old  specimen  of 
caspia  there,  we  never  saw  or  heard  of  a  specimen  of  maxima." 
(Kumlien  and  Hollister,  Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  130.)  "Rare 
spring  and  summer;  Lake  Michigan."  (A.  J.  Cook,  Birds  of  Michigan, 
1893,  p.  34-) 

25.     Sterna  forsteri  NUTT. 
FORSTER'S  TERN. 

Distr.:  North  America  in  general,  migrating  to  the  West  Indies 
and  South  America  in  winter;  breeds  on  the  Atlantic  coast  as  far 
north  as  Virginia  and  in  the  interior  from  Texas  to  Manitoba. 

Adult  in  summer:  Crown,  black;  upper  parts,  pearl  gray;  under 
parts,  white;  inner  web  of  outer  tail  feather  darker  than  outer  web;  bill, 

reddish  orange,  tipped  with  black; 
feet,  yellowish. 

Adult  in  fall  and  winter:  'Bill, 
dark   brown;    feet,    brown;     head, 
grayish;    a  dusky  black  patch   on 
sides  of  the  head,  enclosing  the  eye. 
Immature  in  winter:  Upper  parts, 
mottled  with  pale  brown   or  buff. 
Length,    is;    wing,    10.215;    tail, 

Forster's  Tern.     Fall  plumage.  ,  .,  ' 

6.60;  tarsus,  .90;  bill,  1.50. 

Forster's  Tern  is  a  common  summer  resident  in  both  Illinois  and 
Wisconsin,  its  numbers  being  augmented  during  the  migrations  in 
spring  arid  fall.  Those  that  remain  to  breed  generally  build  their 
nests  in  the  small  interior  ponds  and  lakes.  The  nest  is  composed  of 


302     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX 

weeds  and  grass,  usually  in  a  marsh.  The  eggs  are  three  (rarely  4 ) 
in  number,  pale  olive  gray  (sometimes  buffy  white),  marked  and 
blotched  with  chocolate  brown,  and  measure  about  1.85  x  1.30 
inches. 

"Rather  common  summer  resident  in  this  portion  of  the  state, 
breeds  in  the  numerous  small  reedy  lakes."  (Nelson,  Birds  N.  E.  111., 
1876,  p.  147.)  "  Although  the  larger  part  are  migratory,  a  good  many 
still  nest  within  the  state."  (Kumlien  and  Hollister,  Birds  of  Wiscon- 
sin, 1903,  p.  12.) 

26.     Sterna  hirundo  LINN. 
COMMON  TERN. 

Distr.:  Ranges  throughout  eastern  North  America,  breeding  nearly 
throughout  its  range  from  Florida  to  the  Arctic  ocean;  winters  from 
Virginia  southward. 

Adult  in  summer:  Bill,  red,  broadly  tipped  with  black;  feet,  red; 
crown,  black;  upper  parts,  pearl  gray;  under  parts,  pale  ashy  gray; 
feet,  orange  red. 

Adult  in  winter:  Forehead  and  crown,  white  or  grayish  white; 
under  parts,  white;  bill,  blackish.  Immature  specimens  have  the 
upper  parts  mottled  with  buff  or  pale  brown.  The  outer  web  of  outer 
tail  feather  is  darker  than  the  inner  web  at  all  seasons. 

Length,  about  15;  wing,  about  10.30;  tail,  5.50;  tarsus,  about 
75;  bill,  1.45. 


Common  Tern. 

The  present  species  is  not  uncommon  at  times  on  Lake  Michigan 
during  the  migrations,  and  a  few  remain  to  breed  in  Wisconsin.    The 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  303 

eggs  are  3  or  4,  pale  gray  or  buff  white  (sometimes  faintly  greenish), 
marked  and  blotched  with  chocolate  brown  similar  to  forsteri,  but 
at  times  showing  a  more  greenish  tinge  than  those  of  that  species. 
They  measure  1.82  x  1.30  inches.  "  Very  abundant  migrant.  *  *  * 
A  few  still  breed  on  small  islands  at  the  northern  end  of  the  Lake." 
(Nelson.)  "More  common  on  Lake  Michigan  than  forsteri  and  more 
abundant  here  than  in  the  interior  of  the  state,  preferring  the  gravelly 
or  sandy  islands  of  the  Lake  and  Green  Bay  for  nesting  places  rather 
than  the  smaller  inland  lakes."  (Kumlien  and  Hollister,  Birds  of 
Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  13.) 

27.  Sterna  paradisaea  BRUNN. 

ARCTIC  TERN. 

Distr.:  Northern  hemisphere,  breeding  in  North  America  from 
Massachusetts  northward  to  the  Arctic  regions,  south  in  winter  to 
the  middle  Atlantic  states  and  California. 

Adult  in  summer:  Similar  to  the  Common  Tern,  but  differs  in 
having  the  tarsi  shorter  and  the  bill  usually  entirely  red,  not  broadly 
tipped  with  black.  The  white  on  the  inner  webs  of  the  first  and  second 
primaries  extends  considerably  nearer  to  the  tip  of  the  feathers  than 
in  5.  hirundo. 

Length,  about  15.25;  wing,  10.25;  bill,  1.25  to  1.35;  tarsus,  about 
.65  (less  than  .70). 

This  species  has  not  apparently  been  observed  in  Illinois.  Kum- 
lien and  H,ollister  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  13)  state,  "  A  somewhat 
irregular  migrant,  at  times  fairly  common  and  again  quite  the  oppo- 
site. We  have  taken  it  nesting  in  Green  Bay,  1879;  and  in  June,  1891, 
procured  a  set  of  eggs  (the  parent  shot  on  the  nest)  at  Lake  Kosh- 
konong.  These  nesting  records  are,  however,  to  be  considered  ex- 
ceptional. *  *  *  *  Less  common  in  the  fall  than  in  the  spring,  less 
often  met  inland  in  the  fall  than  the  two  preceding,  and  not  as  abun- 
dant as  either  at  any  time  or  place  in  the  state." 

I* 
Subgenus  STERNULA   Boie. 

28.  Sterna  antillarum  (LESS.). 

LEAST  TERN. 

Disir.:  Ranges  from  Labrador  to  northern  South  America,  and 
in  the  interior  west  to  Dakota  and  Mississippi  Valley,  breeding  nearly 
throughout  its  range. 


304     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Adult  in  summer:  Bill,  yellow,  tipped  with  black;  forehead,  white; 

crown  and  lores,  black;   upper  parts,  pearl  gray;   under  parts,  white; 

outer  primaries,  brownish  black  on  outer 

•^^^^^""^^^  webs  and  inner  half  of  inner  webs;   tail, 

^^R^lH^^^  white;   feet  orange,  yellow. 

^^^^  Adult  in  winter:   Forepart  of  crown, 

^3^  white,    marked    with     black;     occiput, 

black.     Immature  birds  have  the  upper 

parts  mottled   with   buff    and    the    bill 

dark  brown. 

Least  Tern.  Length,     9.50;      wing,     7;      tail,     3.50; 

tarsus,  .60;   bill,  1.20. 

Although  this  species  occurs  on  Lake  Michigan,  and  occasionally 
on  the  inland  waters  of  Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  it  is  apparently  by  no 
means  common.  "Occurs  in  summer,  nearly  throughout  the  Missis- 
sippi Valley."  (Ridgway.)  "A  very  rare  summer  visitant  in  this 
vicinity.  *  *  *  *  A  fine  male  specimen  is  in  the  collection  of  the 
Chicago  Academy  of  Sciences,  obtained  June  n,  1876,  upon  the  Calu- 
met marshes."  (Nelson,  Birds  of  N.  E.  111.,  1876,  p.  149.)  "Chiefly 
coastwise  but  passes  up  the  Mississippi  Valley  to  Dakota  and  Minne- 
sota; breeds  abundantly  along  the  Gulf  coast  in  Louisiana  and  Texas, 
also  in  the  interior;  known  to  breed  in  Kansas  and  Dakota."  (W. 
W.  Cooke,  Bird  Migration  Mississippi  Valley,  1888,  p.  58.)  Kumlien 
and  Hollister  say,  "This  species  can  be  considered  only  as  a  very  rare 
summer  visitor  from  the  south."  They  mention  half  a  dozen  speci- 
mens taken  in  Wisconsin,  three  of  which  were  shot  by  L.  Kumlien  on 
Lake  Koshkonong  in  June,  1893.  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  13.) 


Genus  HYDROCHELIDON   Boie. 
29.     Hydrochelidon  nigra  surinamensis  (GMEL.). 
BLACK  TERN.     MARSH  TERN. 

Distr.:  Temperate  and  tropical  America,  from  Alaska  to  the  Fur 
Countries  south  to  South  America ;  breeding  from  the  middle  United 
States  west  of  the  Alleghanies,  northward. 

Adult  in  spring:  Head  and  under  parts  (except  under  tail  coverts), 
black;  back,  wings  and  tail,  slaty  gray;  under  tail  coverts,  white; 
primaries,  dusky  slate  color,  palest  on  the  inner  webs,  the  shafts  of 
the  feathers,  brownish  white;  bill  and  feet,  black. 

Adult  in  fall  and  winter:  Forehead,  back  of  the  neck,  and  under 
parts,  white  or  whitish;  back  of  the  head,  black,  mixed  with  white; 
wings  and  back,  gray. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


3°5 


Spring 


Immature:  Upper  plumage  more  or  less  mixed  with  buff  and  pale 
brown;  under  parts,  white;  the  sides,  gray;  usually  more  or  less  black 
about  the  eye;  shafts  of  the  primaries,  brown. 

During  changes  of  plumage  the  head  and  under  parts  show  mixed 
black  and  white  markings. 

Length,  about  9.30;  wing,  about  8.25;  tail,  3.80;  bill,  i  to  1.20; 
tarsus  .50. 

Immature  birds  are  smaller. 

The  Black  Tern  is  a  common  summer  resident  in  Illinois  and 
Wisconsin  and  breeds  in  both  states,  in  May  and- June,  usually  pre- 
ferring the  smaller  inland  lakes.  While  it  does  occasionally  eat- small 
fish,  the  greater  portion  of  its  food  consists  of  insects  such  as  dragon 
flies  and  beetles,  which  it  pursues  and  captures  while  on  the  wing 
with  great  dexterity,  turning  and  twisting  in  a  manner  suggesting  the 
flight  of  a  swallow.  The  nest  is  built  in  a  marsh  or  on  the  edge  of 
some  grassy  pond,  and  is  composed  of  grass  and  reeds,  sometimes  a 
mass  of  floating  vegetation.  The  eggs  are  2  or  3,  pale  olive  brown, 
heavily  marked  with  chocolate.  They  measure  about  i.4ox  i  inches. 
There  are  several  sets  of  eggs  in  the  Field  Museum  collection  taken 
at  Fox  Lake,  Lake  County,  111.,  June  6,  1903. 

Regarding  its  occurrence  in  Wisconsin,  Kumlien  and  Hollister 
say:  "A  very  common  summer  resident  in  all  the  inland  ponds, 


306     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

sloughs,  wet  marshes  and  lakes,  but  seldom  found  on  Lake  Michigan, 
and  probably  only  during  migrations;  arrives  in  Wisconsin,  of  an 
average  year,  the  first  few  days  of  May  —  dates  of  arrival  for  a  num- 
ber of  years  at  Lake  Koshkonong  range  from  April  16  to  May  n  — 
and  departs  early,  few  being  seen  after  the  middle  of  September. 
When  they  arrive  in  the  spring  all  are  in  the  black,  full  breeding 
plumage ;  and  all  are  in  the  white  winter  plumage  before  they  leave ; 
in  fact,  a  great  many  begin  to  assume  their  winter  plumage  before 
they  are  through  nesting."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  14.) 


30.     Hydrochelidon  leucoptera  (MEISN.  &  SCHINZ). 
WHITE-WINGED  BLACK  TERN. 

Distr.:  Eastern  hemisphere,  accidental  in  North  America  (one 
record,  Wisconsin). 

Special  characters,  adult:  Head,  neck,  and  under  parts,  black; 
upper  parts,  plumbeous;  entire  tail  and  upper  and  lower  tail  coverts, 
white;  anterior  lesser  wing  coverts,  white;  legs  and  feet,  red. 

Length,  about  9;  wing,  about  8;  bill,  about  .90. 

"The  only  known  instance  of  the  occurrence  of  this  European 
species  on  the  Western  Continent  is  that  of  a  breeding  female  shot  by 
L.  Kumlien  in  a  large  marsh  near  Black  Hawk  Island,  Lake  Kosh- 
konong, July  5,  1873.  The  specimen  was  sent  freshly  skinned  to  Dr. 
Brewer,  and  was  presented  by  him  to  the  National  Museum."  (Kum- 
lien and  Hollister,  Birds  of  Wisconsin,  Bull.  Wisconsin  Nat.  Hist. 
Soc.,  1903,  p.  14.) 


ORDER  STEGANOPODES. 

TOTIPALMATE  SWIMMERS.     ANHINGAS,   CORMORANTS, 
PELICANS,   ETC. 

Family  ANHINGID^.     Darters,  Snake  Birds. 

Of  the  four  known  species  of  this  family,  only  one  occurs  in  the 
United  States.  It  was  at  one  time  not  uncommon  in  southern  Illinois 
and  is  still  to  be  found  in  the  extreme  southern  portion  of  the  state. 
They  are  fish  eaters  and  expert  divers,  often  remaining  for  a  consider- 
able time  under  water  with  the  head  and  perhaps  a  portion  of  the 
neck  exposed  above  the  surface. 


Genus  ANHINGA   Bnss. 
31.     Anhinga  anhinga  (LINN.). 
ANHINGA. 

Local  names:  Water  Turkey.     Snake  Bird. 

Distr.:  Tropical  and  subtropical  America,  north  in  the  United 
States  to  the  Carolinas,  southern  Kansas,  and  southern  Illinois. 

Adult  male  in  breeding  plumage:  Head  and  neck,  black,  showing 
a  greenish  gloss;  back  of  the  head  and  neck  showing  lengthened  hair- 
like  feathers  of  dull  white;  back  mottled  and  streaked  with  white; 
upper  mandible,  olive,  edged  with  yellow;  lower  mandible,  yellow, 
shading  into  green  at  the  tip;  gular  sac,  yellow.  In  winter  the  male 
loses  the  white  hair-like  feathers  on  the  neck;  middle  tail  feathers 
showing  transverse  fluting. 

Adult  female:  Head,  neck,  and  breast,  buff  color,  darker  on  the 
nape. 

Length,  33.50;   wing,  13.50;   tail,  10.50;   tarsus,  1.35;    bill,  3^.25. 

The  Anhinga,  commonly  called  Water  Turkey  or  Snake  Bird, 
occurs  more  or  less  commonly  in  summer  in  the  extreme  southern 
portion  of  Illinois  and  may  breed  there,  although  I  find  no  actual 
record  of  its  having  done  so. 

"In  summer  it  passes  north  regularly  to  southern  Illinois." 
(Cooke.).  "The  Anhinga  appears  to  be  a  regular  summer  resident 
in  the  extreme  southern  portion  of  Illinois,  since  Mr.  Kennicott  found 

307 


308     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Anhinga. 

it  to  be  common  in  the  vicinity  of  Cairo  in  1865,  while  Mr.  Nelson 
observed  it  in  the  same  locality  twenty  years  later."  (Ridgway, 
Orn.  of  Illinois,  1895,  p.  209.)  "Common  in  summer  near  Cairo,  and 
seen  by  Mr.  Ridgway  near  Mt.  Carmel."  (Nelson,  Birds  N.  E.  111., 
1876,  p.  151.)  There  is  apparently  no  satisfactory  record  of  its  oc- 
currence in  northern  Illinois  or  Wisconsin.  A  bird  was  described  to 
Mr.  W.  E.  Snyder  as  having  been  shot  in  Dodge  Co.,  Wisconsin,  which 
he  believed  to  be  this  species.  (Bull.  Wis.  Nat.  Hist.  Soc.,  April,  1892.) 


Family    PH ALACROCORACID^. 

Cormorants. 

Cormorants  are  maritime  birds,  but  often  occur  in  numbers  on 
some  of  the  larger  inland  lakes  and  rivers.  They  feed  principally 
upon  fish  and  are  usually  found  in  colonies.  About  thirty  species 
are  recognized,  of  which  ten  occur  in  North  America. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  309 


Double-crested  .Cormorant 


Genus   PHALACROCORAX   Brisson. 
32.     Phalacrocorax  auritus  (LESSON). 
DOUBLE-CRESTED  CORMORANT. 

Phalacrocorax  dilophus  (Swain.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  42. 

Local  name:   Nigger  Goose. 

Distr.:  Eastern  North  America,  breeding  from  the  latitude  of 
Minnesota,  Dakota,  and  the  Bay  of  Fundy  northward ;  south  in 
winter  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico. 

Adult  in  spring:  Head,  neck,  and  under  parts,  glossy  black;  scap- 
ulars and  wing  coverts,  brownish  gray,  edged  with  black;  tail,  black, 
having  12  feathers;  a  tuft  of  black  feathers  over  the  eyes;  gular  sac 
and  lores,  orange  yellow. 

Adult  in  fall  and  winter:  Similar,  but  lacking  the  tufts  of  feathers 
on  sides  of  head,  and  the  gular  sac  varies  in  color. 

Immature:  General  plumage,  grayish  brown,  becoming  pale  on  the 
breast,  sometimes  whitish;  many  of  the  back  feathers  and  scapulars 
with  dark  edges;  no  tufts  of  feathers  on  sides  of  head. 

Length,  about  30;   wing,  12  to  13.20;   bill,  2.10  to  2.50. 

This  species  occurs  in  both  Illinois  and  Wisconsin  during  the 
migrations.  It  is  not  improbable  that  a  few  pairs  may  breed  in 
northern  Wisconsin.  Mr.  Chas.  F.  Carr  (Wisconsin  Naturalist,  Sept. 


310     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

i,   1890)  says,  "They  breed  about  some  of  the  larger  isolated  lakes 
in  the  northern  and  central  part  of  the  state." 


32a.     Phalacrocorax  auritus  floridanus  (Auo.). 
FLORIDA  CORMORANT. 

Phalacrocorax  dilophus  ftoridanus  (Aud.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List, 
1895,  p.  42. 

Distr.:  South  Atlantic  and  Gulf  states,  northward  along  the 
Mississippi  Valley  to  southern  Illinois. 

The  Florida  Cormorant  is  merely  a  rather  small,  southern  form  of 
the  preceding  species;  the  plumage  is  similar. 

Length,  less  than  30  inches;    tarsus,  2  inches  or  less. 

"In  summer,  north  to  Illinois,  sometimes  winters  in  southern  Illi- 
nois." (Cooke.)  "Common  in  early  spring  on  the  Wabash  River 
as  far  north  as  Mt.  Carmel."  (Ridgway,  Orn.  of  111.,  1895,  p.  205.) 
"  A  regular  summer  resident  in  southern  Illinois,  occasionally  straying 
to  the  northern  part  of  the  state."  (Nelson,  Birds  N.  E.  111.,  1876, 
p.  145.)  It  has  not  been  observed  in  Wisconsin. 


Double-crested  Cormorant. 


Mexican  Cormorant. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  311 

33.     Phalacrocorax  vigua  mexicanus  (BRANDT). 

MEXICAN  CORMORANT. 
Phalacrocorax  mexicanus  (Brandt),   A.    O.    U.  Check  List,    1895, 

P-  43- 

Distr.:  Central  America  and  the  West  Indies  to  southern  United 
States,  casual  or  accidental  north  to  Kansas  and  southern  Illinois. 

Special  characters,  adult:  Smaller  than  the  preceding  species.  In 
the  adult  breeding  plumage  the  Mexican  Cormorant  may  be  dis- 
tinguished by  the  narrow  edging  of  white  feathers  bordering  the 
brownish  yellow  gular  sac,  and  also  by  the  lack  of  any  definite  tufts 
on  the  head,  which  are  replaced  by  long,  filamentous  white  feathers, 
and  in  winter  by  its  small  size. 

Length,  about  25;   wing,  10  to  10.60;   bill,  1.70  to  2. 

The  Mexican  Cormorant  is  probably  of  accidental  occurrence  in 
the  extreme  southern  portion  of  Illinois.  It  is  easily  recognized  by 
its  small  size  (the  wing  being  always  less  than  10.50  inches)  and  the 
white  line  bordering  the  base  of  the  gular  pouch. 

"A  very  common  resident  along  the  coast  of  Texas,  occurs  in  the 
Mississippi  Valley  as  far  north  as  southern  Illinois  and  Kansas." 
(W.  W.  Cooke,  p.  59.)  "Mr.  Worthen  reports  that  last  spring  he 
received  a  skin  of  this  species  labelled  'Near  Cairo,  Illinois.'  It  was 
in  summer  (not  adult)  plumage.  He  was  not  able  to  trace  the  speci- 
men, so  there  is  room  for  doubt  as  to  the  locality."  (Ridgway,  Bull. 
Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Jan.,  1880,  p.  13.) 


Family    PELECANID^.       Pelicans. 

Pelicans  are  large  birds,  frequenting  the  warmer  portions  of  the 
world.  Of  the  twelve  known  species,  three  occur  in  North  America 
and  two  of  these  in  eastern  United  States. 

They  are  gregarious,  usually  nesting  in  large  colonies.  Their 
food  consists  almost  entirely  of  fish,  which  they  capture  with  great 
dexterity.  The  White  Pelicans  scoop  up  their  food  while  swimming, 
but  the  Brown  Pelican  will  often  dive  headlong  into  the  water,  while 
on  the  wing,  sometimes  disappearing  entirely  beneath  the  surface. 


312     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


White  Pelican. 


Genus   PELECANUS   Linn. 

34.     Pelecanus  erythrorhynchos  GMEL. 

AMERICAN  WHITE  PELICAN. 

Distr.:  Temperate  North  America,  north  in  the  interior  to  about 
latitude  61°,  breeding  chiefly  from  about  the  latitude  of  Minnesota 
northward;  south  in  winter  to  Mexico  and  Central  America.  It  is 
still  abundant  in  many  parts  of  the  interior  and  along  the  Gulf  coast 
to  Florida  and  on  the  coast  of  California;  very  rare  on  the  Atlantic 
coast  north  of  Florida. 

Adult  in  breeding  plumage:  General  plumage,  white;  bill,  yellow- 
ish, with  horny  protuberance  on  the  top  (this  is  lacking  in  winter); 
primaries,  black;  pouch  is  lemon  yellow  and  the  legs,  pale  yellow; 
iris,  straw  color. 

Length,  60;   wing,  24.50;   tarsus,  4.45;   bill,  12. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  313 

This  species  occurs  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin  during  the  migrations, 
usually  in  April,  September,  and  October.  It  is  not  improbable  that 
a  few  pairs  may  still  breed  in  the  northern  part  of  Wisconsin. 

"At  present  an  exceedingly  rare  visitant  during  the  migrations. 
Formerly  they  were  regular  and  rather  common  migrants.  Still  mi- 
grate along  the  Mississippi  River."  (Nelson,  Birds  N.  E.  111.,  1876, 
p.  144.)  According  to  Kumlien  and  Hollister,  White  Pelicans  nested 
in  Wisconsin  as  late  as  1883  and  1884,  but  they  believe  that  "pro- 
bably few,  if  any,  nest  in  the  state  at  the  present  time."  (Birds  of 
Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  15.) 

35.     Pelecanus  occidentalis  LINN. 
BROWN  PELICAN. 

Pelecanus  fuscus  (Linn.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  46. 

Distr.:  Atlantic  coast  of  tropical  and  subtropical  America; 
abundant  in  Florida  and  along  the  Gulf  coast,  casual  north  to  the 
Carolinas  and  accidental  in  southern  Illinois. 


Brown  Pelican. 


314     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — -ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Adult  in  breeding  plumage:  Neck,  chestnut  brown;  head  and  line 
at  the  base  of  the  pouch,  yellowish  white;  upper  parts,  ashy  gray, 
some  of  the  feathers  edged  with  brownish;  bill,  brownish  white, 
marked  with  red  in  spots;  pouch,  dark  greenish  black;  bare  space  in 
front  of  the  eye,  bluish;  tail,  consists  of  twenty-two  feathers.  The 
immature  bird  has  the  head  and  neck  brownish  gray. 

Length,  50;    wing,  20;    tarsus,  2.90;    bill,  n. 

"The  Brown  Pelican  has  a  somewhat  doubtful  claim  to  be  in- 
cluded among  the  birds  of  Illinois.  Apparently  the  only  record  is 
that  given  by  Mr.  Chas.  K.  Worthen  in  a  letter  to  Prof.  Ridgway, 
who  writes:  "Saw  a  specimen  of  this  bird  flying  over  Lima  Lake, 
a  large,  shallow  body  of  water  ten  miles  below  here  (Warsaw,  Illinois), 
in  October,  1873.  The  bird  was  not  over  a  hundred  yards  from  myself 
and  two  or  three  others  and  we  watched  it  for  several  minutes.  *  *  * 
It  had  the  color,  bill,  and  size  of  that  species."  (Ridgway,  Bull. 
Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  1880,  p.  31.) 


Family     FREGATID^.      Man-of-war    Birds. 

The  Fregatidas  are  a  family  of  maritime  and  pelagic  birds,  com- 
prising one  genus  and  only  two  known  species,  inhabiting  the  warmer 
portions  of  the  globe. 


Genus   FREGATA  Lacepede. 

36.     Fregata  aquila   (LINN.). 

MAN-OF-WAR  BIRD. 

Distr.:  Tropical  and  subtropical  coasts  and  islands.  In  America 
north  to  Florida  and  Texas,  and  casually  to  Nova  Scotia,  Wisconsin, 
Indiana,  etc. 

Adult  male:  Entire  plumage,  brownish  black,  showing  a  greenish 
reflection  on  the  head,  and  purplish  upon  the  back;  tail,  forked  and 
composed  of  twelve  feathers;  gular  sac,  pale  orange;  iris,  brown. 

Adult  female:  Differs  from  the  male  by  having  a  white  patch  on 
the  breast,  which  extends  along  the  sides  of  the  neck  and  around  it 
near  the  middle. 

Length,  43;   wing,  25;   tail,  19;   tarsus,  i;   bill,  6. 

Stragglers  of  this  strictly  maritime  species  have  been  recorded 
from  various  localities  in  the  interior.  Specimens  have  been  taken 
in  Kansas,  Ohio,  and  Indiana  (2). 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  315 

It  has  not  been  observed  in  Illinois,  but  Kumlien  and  Hollister 
state  that  a  bird  of  this  species  "  was  shot  in  the  Milwaukee  River  at 
Humbold,  near  the  city  of  Milwaukee,  in  August,  1880.  *  *  *  * 
The  specimen  is  now  mounted  in  the  Milwaukee  Public  Museum." 
(Bull.  Wisconsin  Nat.  Hist.  Soc.,  1903,  p.  16.) 


Man-of-war  Bird. 


ORDER  ANSERES 


LAMELLIROSTRAL  SWIMMERS. 


Family   AN  ATI  D^.      Ducks,   Geese, 
and    Swans. 

This  large  family  contains  nearly  200  species,  distributed  through- 
out the  world.  They  are  subdivided  into  several  well  marked  groups 
or  subfamilies. 


Subfamily   MERGING.     The   Mergansers  or 
Sheldrakes. 

The  Mergansers  or  Sheldrakes  are  fish  eaters,  and  the  flesh  of  the 
adults  of  most  species  is  strong  and  unpalatable.  The  Hooded  Mer- 
ganser is  an  exception,  however,  and  it  is  an  excellent  table  bird  when 
properly  prepared.  Three  species  occur  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin. 
They  are  easily  recognized  by  their  long  narrow  bills  edged  with 
small  tooth-like  serrations. 


American  Merganser. 
316 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  317 


Genus  MERGUS  Linn. 

37.  Mergus  americanus  CASS. 
AMERICAN  MERGANSER.     SHELDRAKE. 

Merganser  americanus  (Cass.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  47. 

Distr.:  General  North  America,  breeds  from  northern  Wisconsin 
and  Pennsylvania  northward.  It  ranges  in  winter  as  far  south  as 
Florida,  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  northern  Mexico,  and  Lower  California. 

Adult  male:  Bill,  red,  long  and  narrow,  with  tooth-like  serrations 
on  edges;  head  and  neck,  greenish  black;  under  parts,  creamy  white, 
tinged  with  salmon  color;  tail,  gray;  feet,  red;  distance  from  anterior 
end  of  nostril  to  the  tip  of  the  bill,  less  than  1.50  inches. 

Length,  26;   wing,  about  n;   tarsus,  2;   bill,  2.10. 

Adult  female:  Upper  throat,  white ;  breast  and  head,  rufous  brown ; 
belly,  white;  speculum,  white;  feet,  reddish  orange;  distance  from  the 
anterior  end  of  nostril  to  tip  of  bill,  less  than  1.50  inches. 

Length,  about  24.50;   wing,  about  9.75;   tarsus,  1.90;   bill,  2. 

Immature  males  resemble  the  female. 

The  distance  from  the  anterior  end  of  nostril  to  the  tip  of  the  bill 
is  less  than  1.50  inches  in  this  species,  and  the  female  may  be  dis- 
tinguished from  the  Red-breasted  Merganser  by  this  character,  as 
in  that  species  the  distance  from  the  anterior  end  of  nostril  to  tip  of 
bill  is  more  than  1.50  inches. 

This  species  is  common  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  during  the  mi- 
grations, and  at  times  a  number  remain  during  the  winter.  It  does 
not  breed  in  Illinois,  and  I  find  no  satisfactory  record  of  its  having 
done  so  in  Wisconsin,  although  Kumlien  and  Hollister  say:  "Said  to 
nest  in  the  extreme  northern  end  of  Door  County."  (Bull.  Wiscon- 
sin Nat.  Hist.  Soc.,  p.  16.)  Both  this  and  the  next  species  are  known 
to  the  local  gunners  by  the  name  of  "Sheldrake." 

38.  Mergus  serrator  LINN. 
RED-BREASTED  MERGANSER.     SHELDRAKE. 

Merganser  serrator  (Linn.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  47. 

Distr.:  Northern  portions  of  the  northern  hemisphere,  breeding 
from  northern  Illinois  northward;  winters  throughout  the  United 
States  from  Lake  Michigan  and  New  England  to  the  Gulf  coast,  Cuba, 
and  Lower  California. 

Aduh  male:  Head  and  upper  throat,  black,  tinged  with  greenish; 
a  white  ring  around  the  neck,  not  always  well  defined;  breast,  rufous, 


318     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

streaked  with  black;  lower 
breast  and  belly,  white;  the 
sides  and  rump,  delicately 
pencilled  black ;  distance  from 
nostril  to  tip  of  bill,  more 
than  1.50. 

''  Length,  23;   wing,  9;  tar- 
sus, 1.90;   bill,  2.30. 

Female  and  young  male: 
Head,  brownish;  throat,  pale 
buff;  back,  gray;  under  parts  of  the  body  are  white,  and  speculum  is 
white. 

Length,  21;  wing,  8.80;  tarsus,  1.90;  bill,  2.50. 
Although  not  abundant,  the  Red-breasted  Merganser  is  not  un- 
common at  times  on  Lake  Michigan  and  the  inland  waters  of  Illinois 
and  Wisconsin  during  the  migrations.  A  few  remain  to  breed  in 
northern  Illinois  and  it  breeds  regularly  in  Wisconsin.  The  nest  is 
on  the  ground,  composed  of  moss  and  grass  lined  with  down  and 
carefully  concealed.  The  eggs  are  from  7  to  12,  pale  buff  color,  and 
measure  about  2.50  x  1.75  inches. 

"Winter  resident  throughout  Illinois  and  breeds  from  the  northern 
portion  of  the  state  northward."  (Ridgway,  Orn.  111.,  1895,  p.  190.) 
"The  rarest  species  of  the  genus  in  this  vicinity.  Frequents  small 
reedy  lakes  where  it  is  a  summer  resident.  Nests  upon  old  muskrat 
houses.  *  *  *  *  A  very  rare  winter  resident.  During  the  height 
of  the  migrations  it  is  rather  common  upon  Lake  Michigan,  in  small 
flocks."  (Nelson,  Birds  N.  E.  111.,  1876,  p.  44.)  "Common  during 
migrations,  but  not  in  as  great  numbers  as  the  preceding.  A  regular 
breeder  about  Green  Bay  and  Lake  Superior."  (Kumlien  and  Hoi- 
lister,  Birds  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  17.) 


Genus  LOPHODYTES  Reich. 
39.     Lophodytes  cucullatus  (LINN.). 

HOODED  MERGANSER. 

Distr. :.  North  America  in  general,  south  to  Cuba  and  central 
Mexico,  breeding  nearly  throughout  its  range. 

Adult  male:  Head  with  large  black  and  white  crest;  upper  parts, 
black;  under  parts,  white,  having  the  sides  brownish,  delicately 
barred  with  black. 

Length,  19.50;  wing,  7.75;  tarsus,  1.30;  bill,  1.50. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


^0H^^  Aduli  female:    Head    and 

m*&        ^^^  neck,    brownish,    showing    a 

•  ft  jfttf-:  slight  crest,  but  not  nearly  as 

^^BtBte         $          JE  ^-      large  as   in  the  male;  under 

«*5^5H|    wfeff*'*  ^MBteb  parts,  white. 

JPSML  Length,  18.50;  wing,  7.75; 

j^P  t.-j&  tarsus,  1.30;   bill,  1.50. 

-        ^^Is  Q  The  young  bird  resembles 

the  female,  but  has  no  crest. 

Length,  18.50;  wing,  7.70;  tarsus,  1.25;  bill,  1.50. 
The  Hooded  Merganser  is  an  abundant  migrant  and  a  not  un- 
common summer  resident  in  both  Illinois  and  Wisconsin.  It  fre- 
quents the  ponds  and  streams  during  the  breeding  season  and 
builds  its  nest  in  a  hollow  tree  near  water.  The  eggs  are  7  to  10, 
buff  white,  and  measure  about  2.05  x  1.75  inches.  Its  food  consists 
of  roots,  seeds,  small  fish,  and  occasionally  insects.  The  young  are 
taken  from  the  nest  in  the  bill  of  the  mother.  Nidification  begins  in 
May. 

"Very  abundant  migrant;  common  winter  resident  upon  Lake 
Michigan;  breeds  sparingly  throughout  the  state."  (Nelson,  Birds 
N.  E.  111.,  1876,  p.  44.)  "Very  common.  *  *  *  *  Breeds  sparingly 
in  suitable  localities."  (Kumlien  and  Hollister,  Birds  Wisconsin,. 
1903,  p.  17.) 


Subfamily  ANATIN^.      River  and   Pond   Ducks. 

These  ducks,  while  often  found  in  numbers  on  salt  water,  seem  to 
prefer  (with  few  exceptions)  the  lakes,  rivers,  and  ponds.  The  food 
consists  of  mollusks,  small  crustaceans,  fish,  and  insects,  as  well  as  the 
roots  of  aquatic  plants  and  seeds.  The  members  of  this  subfamily 
have  the  bill  broad  (not  narrow  as  in  the  Mergansers ) ,  and  no  flap 
or  web  on  the  hind  toe. 


320     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Mallard  Duck. 


Male. 


Genus  ANAS  Linn. 

40.     Anas  platyrhynchqs  LINN. 
MALLARD  DUCK. 

Anas  boschas  Linn.,  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  48. 
Distr.:  Northern  hemisphere,  breeding  nearly  throughout  the  tem- 
perate zone;   south  in  winter  to  Cuba,  Lower  California,  Mexico,  and 
Central  America  to  Panama. 

Adult  male:  Head  and  neck,  dark  green, 
with  a  white  ring  on  the  neck;  under  parts, 
whitish  or  ashy  white;  breast,  rich  chestnut 
brown;  under  tail  coverts,  black;  upper  tail 
coverts  are  also  black  with  central  feathers 
elongated  and  curved  upwards;  speculum, 
purple,  bordered  with  black  and  white;  feet, 
orange  red;  bill,  yellowish  olive. 

Adult  female:  Speculum,  purple,  bordered  with  black  and  white; 
head,  brownish  buff;  belly,  buffy  brown,  usually  mottled;  feet, 
orange  red. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  321 

Length,  23;    wing,  10.50;    bill,  2.20. 

An  abundant  species  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin  during  the  migra- 
tions, and  a  number  remain  to  breed  in  suitable  localities  in  both 
states.  The  nest  is  usually  placed  on  the  ground  near  water,  and  is 
composed  of  grass  and  weeds  and  lined  (not  always)  with  down 
feathers.  The  eggs  are  7  to  10,  pale  greenish  white,  and  measure 
about  2.25  x  1.70  inches. 

Ridgway  states:  "It  has  been  known,  in  rare  instances,  to  nest 
in  a  tree,  in  such  cases  occupying  the  deserted  nest  of  a  hawk,  crow, 
or  other  large  bird."  (Orn.  of  Illinois,  1895,  p.  129.) 


41.     Anas  rubripes  BREWSTER. 
RED-LEGGED  BLACK  DUCK. 

Distr.:  Eastern  North  America,  north  to  Ungava  and  Hudson 
Bay,  and  west  to  the  Manitoba  region  and  the  Mississippi  Valley; 
winters  from  Massachusetts  and  Illinois  southward. 

Adult:  Head  and  neck,  pale  brown,  finely  dotted  and  streaked 
with  dark  brown;  top  of  the  head  darker  than  the  cheeks;  general 
plumage,  dark  brown;  feathers,  edged  with  pale 
buff;  speculum,  purple,  edged  with  black;  bill,  yel- 
lowish green,  with  dark  nail,  no  black  at  the  base; 
legs  and  feet,  olive,  with  dusky  webs. 

Length,  22;  wing,  n;  bill,  2.10;  tarsus,  1.75. 
This  species  may  always  be  distinguished  from 
the    female    of   the   Mallard   by   the   absence   of 
white  on  the  speculum. 

The  Red-legged  Black  Duck  is  not  uncommon 
in     Illinois    and    Wisconsin    during    migrations. 
Kumlien  and  Hollister  consider  it  the  common  form  in   the   latter 
state,  and  the  writer  has  examined  a  number  of  specimens  offered  for 
sale  at  different  times  in  the  Chicago  markets. 


4 1  a.     Anas  rubripes  tristis  BREWSTER. 
BLACK  DUCK. 

Anas  obscura  Gmel.,  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  P-  4^- 
Distr.:    Eastern  North  America,  north  to  Labrador,  and  west  to 
Minnesota  and  Mississippi  Valley,     Breeds  from  Maryland  and  Illinois 
northward;  winters  from  southern  Illinois  and  Massachusetts  to  the 
South  Atlantic  and  eastern  Gulf  States  to  the  West  Indies. 


322     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

The  Black  Duck  differs  from  the  red-legged  form  in  its  being 
somewhat  smaller,  and  having  the  legs  olive,  and  bill,  not  so  yellow. 
The  sexes  are  similar. 

Length,  about  21;  wing,  about  10.75;  bill,  2.10. 

This  species  is  at  times  fairly  common  during  the  migrations  in 
both  Illinois  and  Wisconsin  and  a  few  remain  to  breed  in  both  states. 
The  nest  is  on  the  ground.  The  eggs  are  8  to  12,  pale  greenish 
white  or  bluish  white,  and  measure  2.45  x  1.80  inches.  The  note  of 
the  male  is  something  like  "Drake,  drake,  drake,  drake,"  and  also 
"Shwipe,"  in  a  husky  voice;  the  female,  "quacks." 

"  An  uncommon  migrant  with  the  preceding  and  a  very  rare  sum- 
mer resident.  *  *  *  *  One  or  two  pairs  nest  each  year  on  the 
Calumet  marshes.  "  (Nelson,  Birds  N.  E.  111.,  1876,  p.  139.) 


Genus  CHAULELASMUS  Bonap. 

42.     Chaulelasmus  streperus  (LINN.). 

GADWALL. 

Anas  strepera  Linn.,  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  49. 

Local  names:  Gray  Duck.     Creek  Duck. 

Distr.:  Nearly  cosmopolitan.  In  North  America  it  breeds  chiefly 
from  the  northern  United  States  (Nebraska,  northern  Wisconsin, 
etc. )  to  Hudson  Bay  and  Manitoba.  Ranges  from  Hudson  Bay  and 
Lesser  Slave  Lake  to  the  Gulf  coast,  Lower  California,  and  southern 
Mexico,  Florida,  and  Cuba. 

Adult  male:  Top  of  head,  brownish,  finely  streaked  and  mottled 
with  black  and  dark  brown;  neckband  breast,  mottled  (black  and 
white),  the  feathers  being  black,  having  a  central  white  mark;  under 
parts,  white  (sometimes  grayish  white);  under  tail  coverts,  black; 
upper  tail  coverts  and  rump,  black;  speculum,  black  and  white;  the 
lesser  wing  coverts,  chestnut;  bill,  black;  feet,  orange;  axillars,  white, 
with  white  shafts. 

Length,  19.50;    wing,  10;    bill,  1.60. 

Adult  female:  Somewhat  resembles  the  male,  but  has  the  under 
wing  coverts  pure  white,  and  usually  little  or  no  chestnut  on  the  lesser 
wing  coverts. 

Length,  19;    wing,  10.15;   bill,  1.55. 

This  species  is  common  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin  during  the  mi- 
grations. It  apparently  does  not  breed  in  Illinois,  but  it  still  does 
so  in  northern  Wisconsin.  The  nest  is  placed  on  the  ground  and  is 
composed  mostly  of  feathers  and  down.  The  eggs  are  9  to  12,  uni- 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  323 


Gad  wall  Duck. 

form  cream  color  or  pale  buffy  white,  and  measure  about  2.10  x  1.50 
inches. 

The  Gadwall  is  known  to  gunners  as  Gray  Widgeon  and  Creek 
Duck.  "Very  common  during  the  migrations  from  the  middle  of 
October  to  the  last  of  November  and  from  the  first  to  the  last  of  April." 
(Nelson,  Birds  N.  E.  111.,  1876,  p.  139.)  "Found  principally  as  a 
migrant  during  April  and  October.  Not  nearly  as  common  as  for- 
merly, in  fact  at  the  present  time  not  at  all  common.  Known  to  nest 
sparingly  near  Lake  Koshkonong,  twenty-five  or  more  years  ago. 
Capt.  Goss  found  it  breeding  in  Horicon  Lake  (now  Horicon  marsh). 
Mr.  C.  F.  Carr  records  it  as  breeding  in  the  extreme  northern  part  of 
the  state."  (Kumlien  and  Hollister,  Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  18.) 


Genus   MARECA   Stephens. 
43.     Mareca  penelope    (LINN.). 

EUROPEAN  WIDGEON.  *. 

Anas  penelope  Linn.,  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  49. 

Distr.:  Old  World  species,  accidental  in  the  United  States. 
Numerous  records  from  widely  separated  localities;  Alaska,  British 
Columbia,  Wisconsin,  Illinois,  Ohio,  Indiana,  Massachusetts,  Nova 
Scotia,  Florida,  etc.,  etc. 

,  Adult-  male:  Somewhat  resembles  the  American  Widgeon,  but  has 
the  crown  buff  cream  color  and  the  rest  of  the  head  and  neck  rufous 


324     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


brown,    except   the    throat,   which   is    dusky;   back 
marked  with  fine  wavy  lines. 

Adult   female:    Whole    head    and   throat,   rusty 
brown,    finely    marked    with    black;    greater    wing 
coverts,  grayish  brown,  tipped  with  black. 
Length,  about  19;    wing,  10.50;    bill,  1.40. 
At    least    three    specimens    of    the     European 
Widgeon  have  been  taken  in  Illinois  and  several  in 
Wisconsin,  two  of  which,  according  to  Kumlien  and  Hollister,  were 
killed  at  Lake  Koshkonong. 

Mr.  Ruthven  Deane  records  20  birds  of  this  species  having  been 
killed  in  interior  states,  many  of  them  in  Indiana.  (See  Auk,  1899, 
p.  270;  Ib.,  1903,  p.  303;  Ib.,  1905,  p.  76;  Ib.,  1905,  p.  206.) 


44.     Mareca   americana    (GMEL.). 
AMERICAN  WIDGEON.     BALDPATE. 

Anas  americana  Gmel.,  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  49. 

Distr.:  North  America  generally;  breeds  chiefly  north  of  the 
United  States;  south  in  winter  to  the  Gulf  coast,  West  Indies, 
Mexico,  and  Guatemala. 


Adult  male:  Head,  speckled  black  and  white;  top  of  head,  white; 
a  broad  stripe  of  greenish  from  eye  to  the  occiput;  chin,  blackish; 
upper  breast,  pale  ashy  lilac  or  vinaceous;  rest  of  under  parts,  pure 
white;  crissum  and  under  tail  coverts,  black;  back,  ashy  vinaceous, 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  325 

finely  pencilled  with  black;  a  broad  patch  of  white  on  the  wing; 
most  of  the  secondaries  have  the  outer  web  black,  edged  with  white ; 
the  inner  webs  are  grayish  towards  the  tip ;  speculum,  black  and  green ; 
axillary  plumes,  white,  with  dark  shafts. 

Adult  female:  Head  and  throat,  whitish  or  buffy  white,  streaked 
and  mottled  with  black;  back,  grayish  brown;  tertials,  dusky,  edged 
with  whitish. 

Length,  19;    wing,  10.50;    tarsus,  1.60;    bill,  1.40. 

This  species  is  common  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin  during  the  mi- 
grations. It  is  barely  possible  a  few  may  still  breed  in  northern 
Illinois,  and,  according  to  Kumlien  and  Hollister,  it  formerly  bred  in 
Wisconsin  as  far  south  as  Lake  Koshkonong  and  still  does  so  in  the 
less  settled  portions  of  the  state.  The  nest  is  placed  on  the  ground 
and  is  mostly  composed  of  feathers  and  down.  The  eggs  are  buffy 
white,  8  to  12  in  number  and  measure  about  2.15  x  1.45  inches. 

' '  A  very  abundant  species  during  the  migrations  and  not  very  rare 
summer  resident."  (Nelson,  Birds  N.  E.  111.,  1876,  p.  140.)  W.  W. 
Cooke  states  it  has  been  known  to  breed  in  Illinois.  (Report  of  Bird 
Migration  in  Mississippi  Valley,  1888,  p.  66.) 


Genus   NETTION    Kaup. 

45.     Nettion  carolinensis  (GMEL.). 

GREEN-WINGED  TEAL. 

Anas  carolinensis  Gmel.,  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  50. 
Distr.:    North  America  in  general,  breeding  chiefly  north  of  the 
United  States;    south  in  winter  to  Mexico,  Central  America  and  the 
West  Indies. 

Adult  male:   Head  and  neck,  chestnut  brown;   a    patch    of   green 
behind  the  eye  extending  to  the  nape;   crown  feathers  are  somewhat 

elongated,  forming  a  small  crest; 
sides  and  back,  pale,  marked  with 
narrow  fine  lines  of  black;  under 
parts,  white,  shading  into  pale  brown 
or  buff  on  the  breast,  which  is  also 
spotted  with  black;  speculum,  green, 
bordered  with  black  and  chestnut. 

Adult  female:  Top  of  head,  brown- 
ish, margined  with  reddish  brown;  throat  and  side  of  neck,  white, 
spotted  with  black;  breast,  brownish,  with  black  spots;  rest  of  under 
parts,  white,  sometimes  showing  black  spots  on  the  under  tail  coverts. 


326     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Length,  14.50;    wing,  7.20;    tarsus,  1.20;    bill,  1.45. 

The  Green-winged  Teal  is  common  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin  dup- 
ing the  migrations  and  is  claimed  to  breed  sparingly  in  both  states. 

The  nest  is  placed  on  the  ground  and  is  thickly  lined  with  down. 
The  eggs  are  6  to  12,  usually  9  or  10,  pale  buff  or  cream  buff  in  color, 
and  measure  about  1.80  x  1.20  inches. 

In  Illinois  it  has  been  found  breeding  in  the  northern  portion  of  the 
state,  "  Rockwood,  Lacon,  and  Fernwood."  (Cooke,  Bull.  Biological 
Survey,  1906,  p.  31.)  "Breeds  sparingly."  (Nelson,  Birds  N.  E. 
Illinois,  1876,  p.  140.)  "Formerly  bred  sparingly  even  in  southern 
Wisconsin,  eggs  having  been  taken  on  Black  Hawk  Island,  Lake 
Koshkonong,  by  L.  Kumlien,  in  May,  1870.  At  least  two  other  au- 
thentic nesting  records  at  this  place  are  known.  Further  north  they 
breed  more  plentifully,  but  the  larger  number  pass  beyond  our 
border."  (Kumlien  and  Hollister,  Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  19.) 


Genus  QUERQUEDULA  Oken. 

46.     Querquedula  discors  (LINN.). 
BLUE-WINGED  TEAL. 

Anas  discors  Linn.,  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  P-  5°- 

Distr.:    North  America  in  general,  but  chiefly  eastward,  breeding 

northward  from  Kansas  and  southern  Illinois  to  Alaska;    south  in 

winter  to  the  West  Indies,  Central  and  South  America  as  far  as  Chili. 

Adult  male:    Head,   gray,   with  purplish  gloss,   darkest   on   top; 

a  white  patch  resembling  a  crescent  in  front  of  the  eye;   greater  and 

middle  wing  coverts,  pale  grayish 
blue,  forming  a  grayish  blue  patch 
on  the  wing;  speculum,  rich  green; 
under  parts,  purplish  gray,  spot- 
ted on  the  breast  with  black;  the 
flanks  are  narrowly  barred  with 
black;  bill,  black;  feet,  yellow. 

Adult  female:  Showing  a  blue 
patch  on  the  shoulder  which  distinguishes  it  from  other  teals,  ex- 
cept the  female  of  Q.  cyanoptera,  which  has  the  chin  dusky;  and 
the  upper  throat  often  tinged  with  rufous.  The  locality  where  it  is 
taken  should  also  be  considered. 

Length,  about  15.75,  wmg>  7-25',  tarsus,  1.20;  bill,  1.60. 
The  Blue-winged  Teal  is  a  common  summer  resident  in  Illinois 
and  Wisconsin,  and  breeds  in  May  and  June  in  suitable  localities 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  327 

throughout  the  states.  The  nest  is  a  mass  of  feathers  thickly  lined 
with  down,  placed  on  the  ground,  usually  more  or  less  concealed. 
The  eggs  are  from  7  to  12,  pale  buff  or  cream  buff  in  color,  and 
measure  about  1.80  x  1.30  inches. 


47.     Querquedula  cyanoptera  (VIEILL.). 
CINNAMON  TEAL. 

Anas  cyanoptera  Vieill.,  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  50. 
Distr.:   Western  America  from  the  Rocky  mountains  and  Texas 
to  the  Pacific,  and  from  British  Columbia  south  through  Middle  Amer- 
ica and  South  America  to  Patagonia  and  Falkland  Islands;    casual 
in  the  Mississippi  Valley  and  Florida. 

Adult  male:    Head,  neck,    and  upper  parts,   chestnut  brown,    the 
crown  somewhat  darker  than  the  sides  of  the  head;    under  parts, 
brownish,   showing   dusky   on   the    belly;     rump, 
olive   brown,    feathers   becoming    lighter    on    the 
edges;  wing  coverts,  blue  gray;   speculum,  green, 
the  general  coloration  of  the  wing  being  similar  to 
the  Blue-winged   Teal,  but  the  coloration  of  the 
body  is  so  different  that  it  should  never  be  con- 
_T\  jj®  founded  with  that  species. 

Adult  female:  Resembles  the  female  of  the  Blue- 
winged  Teal,  although  somewhat  larger;  the  bill  is  larger,  and  the 
under  parts  usually  show  at  least  a  trace  of  the  chestnut  marking  of 
the   male;    the  throat,   more  speckled;    chin,  dusky  and  often  with 
rufous  tinge,  otherwise  apparently  similar  to  Q.  discors. 
Length,  16;    wing,  7.50;    bill,  1.75;    tarsus,  1.30. 
Ridgway  says:    "It  is  of  irregular  and  uncertain  occurrence,  hav- 
ing been  only  once  or  twice  taken  in  Illinois."    "An  occasional  visitant 
in  Manitoba,  Minnesota,  Nebraska,  Illinois,  and  Louisiana."      (W.  W. 
Cooke,  Bird  Migr.  Miss.  Val.,  1888,  p.  68.) 

For  Wisconsin  Kumlien  and  Hollister  record  two  specimens  taken 
at  Lake  Koshkonong  and  add:  "There  are  several  more  or  less  au- 
thentic records  among  well-informed  sportsmen  in  different  paTrts  of 
the  state  and  at  the  Club  House  on  Lake  Koshkonong."  (Birds  of 
Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  20.) 


328     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Genus  SPATULA   Boie. 

48.     Spatula  clypeata  (LINN.). 
SHOVELLER  DUCK. 

Local  names:   Spoon-bill.     Broad  Bill. 

Distr.:  Northern  hemisphere,  breeding'  chiefly  (in  North  Amer- 
ica) from  the  Canadian  border  to  the  Saskatchewan  region,  although 
it  breeds  more  or  less  commonly  much  farther  north  and  south.  It 
has  been  known  to  nest  in  Alaska  and  also  as  far  south  as  Texas. 
It  winters  from  southern  Illinois  and  the  Carolinas  southward.  Very 
abundant  in  Florida  and  along  the  Gulf  coast,  while  a  great  many  con- 
tinue their  migration  as  far  south  as  South  America  (Bogata).  It 
also  occurs  in  more  or  less  numbers  in  the  West  Indies,  Mexico,  and 
Central  America. 

Adult  male:  Bill,  very  much  broadened;  head  and  neck,  dark  green; 
breast,  pure  white,  shading  into  purplish  chestnut  on  the  belly; 

wing  coverts,  blue; 
speculum,  green, 
edged  with  white; 
feet,  orange  red. 

Length,  20; 
wing,  9.50;  bill, 
2.70;  tarsus,  1.50. 

Adult  female: 
Head  and  neck, 

mottled  and  streaked  with  pale  brown  and  dark  brown  or  black; 
under  parts,  brownish,  mottled  and  spotted  with  fuscous,  scarcely 
showing  on  the  middle  of  the  belly;  speculum  and  wing  coverts 
as  in  the  male. 

Immature  male:  Intermediate  in  plumage  between  the  adult  male 
and  female,  but  the  speculum  shows  but  little  green,  and  the  wing 
coverts  are  slaty  gray;  the  head  is  often  blotched  and  mottled  when 
changing  to  adult  plumage. 

Length,  19.50;  wing,  9.50;  bill,  2.60;  tarsus,  1.50. 
The  Shoveller  Duck  is  abundant  during  the  migrations  and  a  few 
may  still  breed  in  Illinois.     It  is  a  not  uncommon  summer  resident 
in  Wisconsin. 

The  nest  is  composed  of  feathers  and  down  placed  on  the  ground. 
The  eggs  are  7  to  10,  pale  buff  white,  and  measure  about  2.10  x  1.45 
inches. 

"An  abundant  migrant  and  rather    common   summer  resident. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  329 

Breeds  in  much  the  same  localities  as  the  preceding  (Q.  discors). 
Its  eggs  are  deposited  early  in  May.  Arrives  the  last  of  March  and 
the  larger  number  pass  north  before  April  zoth."  (Nelson,  Birds 
N.  E.  Illinois,  1876,  p.  140.)  "  It  is  still  a  common  duck  but  can  hardly 
be  called  abundant.  *  *  *  Essentially  a  duck  of  the  large  marshes 
and  shallow  lakes  in  these  localities.  Considerable  numbers  still  nest 
within  the  state,  even  in  the  most  southern  counties."  (Kumlien  and 
Hollister,  Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  20.) 


Genus  DAFILA  Steph. 

49.     Dafila  acuta  (LINN.). 
PINTAIL  DUCK. 

Local  names:  Sprig-tail.     Pheasant  Duck. 

Distr.:  A  cosmopolitan  species,  inhabiting  the  Northern  hemis- 
phere, breeding  (in  North  America )  from  the  northern  United  States 
northward  and  ranging  south  in  winter  to  the  Gulf  coast,  the  West 
Indies,  Mexico,  and  Central  America  to  Panama;  abundant  in  Florida. 


Pintail  Duck. 


Adult  male:  Bill,  lead  color,  the  base  and  a  stripe  along  the  culmen, 
black;  head  and  neck,  rich  brown,  sometimes  showing  a  faint  gloss 
of  green  on  the  feathers;  sides  of  the  neck  showing  a  stripe  of 
white,  "and  a  stripe  of  black  extending  down  the  back  of  the  neck; 
under  parts,  white,  showing  faint,  wavy,  fine  lines  of  dusky  on  the 


330     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

sides;  crissum,  black,  edged  with  white;  central  tail  feathers,  very 
much  elongated  in  the  male ;  feet,  lead  color. 

Length,  28;    wing,  9.50;    tail,  7;    bill,  2. 

Adult  female:  Tail  feathers,  not  so  much  elongated  as  in  the  male, 
but  broad  and  pointed;  crown  and  sides  of  the  head,  streaked  with 
dusky  and  pale  brown;  breast,  spotted  with  dark  brown  or  black; 
under  parts,  white;  abdomen  and  sides  showing  faint  lines  of  dusky; 
under  wing  coverts,  fuscous,  edged  with  white;  axillary  plumes, 
white,  barred  with  dark  brown;  speculum,  grayish  brown,  edged  with 
white.  The  immature  male  shows  considerable  variation  in  plumage, 
the  under  parts  being  usually  more  streaked  or  spotted  than  the  adult 
female,  which  it  otherwise  somewhat  resembles. 

Length,  22;    wing,  9.25;    tail,  3.50;    bill,  2. 

This  species  is  abundant  during  the  migrations  in  Illinois  and  Wis- 
consin, and  is  claimed  to  breed  casually  in  Wisconsin  and  occasionally 
in  northern  Illinois.  The  nest  is  of  grass  and  sedge,  sometimes  lined 
with  feathers  and  down  and  often  without.  The  eggs  are  8  to  12, 
pale  buff  white  (sometimes  showing  a  faint  bluish  tinge),  and  measure 
about  2.25  x  1.50  inches. 

"Very  abundant  migrant  and  rare  summer  resident.  *  *  *  * 
Every  year  a  few  pairs  breed  upon  the  marshes  in  this  vicinity. 
*  *  *  *  jn  the  spring  of  1875,  several  pairs  of  these  birds  nested  in 
the  prairie  sloughs  near  the  Calumet  River,  and  on  the  29th  of  May  I 
found  a  nest  containing  three  freshly  laid  eggs."  (Nelsons,  Birds 
N.  E.  Illinois,  1876,  p.  139.)  "An  abundant  migrant.  A  few  still 
nest  within  the  state,  but  they  are  being  gradually  pushed  further  and 
further  north  for  the  summer  season."  (Kumlien  and  Hollister,  Birds 
of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  20.) 


Genus  AIX  Boie. 

50.     Aix  sponsa  (LINN.). 

WOOD  DUCK. 

Local  name:  Summer  Duck. 

Distr.:  Temperate  North  America,  breeding  throughout  its  range 
from  Nova  Scotia  and  southern  British  Columbia  south  to  Cuba  and 
southern  California  (Mexico,  one  record  from  Mazatlan). 

Adult  male:  Bill,  red,  marked  with  rose-white,  and  a  black  stripe 
on  the  middle  of  the  upper  mandible  and  tip;  under  mandible,  black; 
head,  with  decided  crest  which  shows  white,  metallic  green,  and 
purple;  a  narrow  superciliary  line  from  the  bill  to  the  occiput  and 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  331 

another  stripe  of  white  behind  the 
eye,  extending  to  the  nape;  chin 
and  throat,  white,  extending  up- 
wards in  a  streak  on  sides  of  the 
head  to  the  ear  coverts;  sides  and 
front  of  the  lower  neck  and  under 
breast,  purplish  chestnut,  dotted 
^jpr  jH^IP  with  white  spots;  under  parts, 
?  white,  sides  sometimes  grayish, 
showing  faint  pencilling  of  dusky 

lines;     upper  parts   showing   bronze-green   and   purple;     speculum, 
bluish  green,  edged  with  black  and  white. 
Length,  18.50;    wing,  9.50;    bill,  1.40. 

Adult  female:  Crest,  small,  but  the  feathers  somewhat  lengthened; 
head  and  neck,  grayish,  whitening  on  the  chin  and  front  of  the  eyes; 
front  of  the  neck  and  breast,  pale  brown,  mottled  with  grayish;  the 
breast  showing  numerous  brown  spots,  which  fade  away  on  the  lower 
breast;  belly,  white. 

Length,   18;    wing,  9.30;    bill,   1.35. 

The  Wood  Duck  is  a  common  summer  resident  in  parts  of  Illi- 
nois and  Wisconsin,  but  like  most  other  species  it  is  decreasing  in 
numbers.  It  breeds  in  both  states  in  suitable  localities,  preferring 
wooded  streams  and  ponds  to  the  larger  lakes.  The  nest  is  placed  in 
a  hole  in  a  tree  or  large  stump,  from  which  the  female  carries  the 
young  in  her  bill  down  to  the  water.  The  eggs  are  from  8  to  12, 
sometimes  14,  pale  buff  white,  and  measure  about  2.05  x  1.50  inches. 
"Common  migrant  and  rather  common  summer  resident  in  se- 
cluded localities  and  is  especially  abundant  in  the  'bottoms'  along 
the  rivers  in  the  southern  part  of  the  state."  (Nelson,  Birds  N.  E.  Illi- 
nois, 1876,  p.  140.)  "Formerly  a  very  common  summer  resident  in 
all  heavily  wooded  regions  about  streams;  at  the  present  time  more 
common  during  the  migrations,  spring  and  fall.  *  *  *  *  Consider- 
able numbers  still  nest  in  favorable  localities  in  the  central  and 
northern  parts  of  the  state  and  in  a  few  places  in  southern  Wisconsin, 
as  about  Delavan  Lake."  (Kumlien  and  Hollister,  Birds  Wisconsin, 
1903,  p.  20.) 


Subfamily   FULIGULIN^.     The  Sea  Ducks. 

The  members  of  this  subfamily  have  the  bill  broad,  and  a  flap  or 
membranous  lobe  on  the  hind  toe.     Although  classed  as  "sea  ducks" 


332     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

because  they  are  partial  to  salt  water,  many 
of  the   species  occur   in   large  numbers  on 
the  interior  lakes,  rivers,  and  marshes.    Their 
food   consists  of   mollusks,   small  fish,  and 
crustaceans,  as  well  as  the  roots  of  aquatic 
plants  and  seeds.     Their  nests  are  usually 
placed  on  the  ground  or  among  rocks,  al- 
though a  few  species,  such  as  the  Golden-eye,  Buffle  Head,  etc.,  lay 
their  eggs  in  hollow  trees. 


Genus   MARILA   Oken. 

51.     Marila  americana  (EYTON). 

REDHEAD. 

Aythya  americana  (Eyt.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  P-  52- 
Local  name:  Redhead  Duck. 

Distr.:  North  America,  breeding  from  Maine,  northern  Michigan, 
Wisconsin,  and  California  northward.  Winters  in  numbers  from 
Chesapeake  Bay  to  Florida  and  along  the  Gulf  coast  to  Texas,  casual 
as  far  south  as  Mexico  and  Jamaica. 

Adult  male:  Head  and  neck,  brownish  chestnut;  lower  neck  and 
upper  breast,  blackish;  back,  apparently  grayish,  being  white  pencilled 

with  fine,  wavy  lines  of 
black;  speculum,  gray- 
ish; upper  feathers 
edged  with  black,  the 
rest  narrowly  tipped 
with  white. 

Length,  21;  wing, 
8.40;  tarsus,  i. 60;  bill, 
2. 20. 

Adult  female:     Bill, 
bluish,    showing   an   in- 
distinct bar  near  the  end;  head  and  neck,  reddish  brown,  palest  on  the 
sides  of  the  head,  becoming  ashy  on  the  sides  of  the  head;    upper 
throat,  white;   breast  and  sides,  brownish;  belly,  white;    under  tail 
coverts  and  lower  belly,  sometimes  washed  with  pale  brownish. 
Length,  20.50;   wing,  8.30;    tarsus,  1.60;   bill,  2.20. 
A  common  species  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin  during  the  migrations 
and,  according  to  Kumlien  and  Hollister,  a  few  pairs  still  breed  in 
Wisconsin  in  the  marshes  about  Lake  Koshkonong. 

The  nest  is  in  a  marsh,  made  loosely  of  grass  and  usually  lined 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


333 


with  feathers  and  down.     The  eggs  are  cream  white  or  grayish  white, 
and  measure  about  2.35  x  1.40  inches. 


52.     Marila  vallisneria  (WiLS.). 
CANVAS-BACK  DUCK. 

Ay  thy  a  vallisneria  (Wils.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  53. 
Distr.:  North  America,  breeding  chiefly  from  North  Dakota, 
Alberta,  and  southern  Canada,  and  northwest  to  Alaska,  migrating 
south  in  winter  to  the  southern  and  southeastern  United  States  from 
Chesapeake  Bay  and  the  Carolinas  along  the  Gulf  coast  to  Texas  and 
Mexico;  accidental  in  Cuba. 

Adult  male:  Head  and  neck,  rufous  brown,  becoming  dusky  on 
the  crown   and   chin;    the   breast  and   upper   portion  of  the  back, 

blackish;  rest  of  upper  parts 
and  wing  coverts  showing  fine, 
wavy  lines  of  black,  general 
appearance  being  grayish; 
belly,  white,  the  lower  portion, 
faintly  lined  with  dusky; 
sides,  white,  showing  the 
delicate  lines  as  on  the  back, 
but  very  much  fainter  and 
sometimes  wanting. 

Adult  female-   Head  and 
neck,  cinnamon  brown,  paler 
on  the  throat;  belly,  white  or  grayish  white. 

Length,  20  to  22;  wing,  8.75  to  9.25;  bill,  .75  to  .80;  tarsus,  1.70. 
The  peculiar  form  of  the  bill  will  always  distinguish  the  Canvas- 
back  from  the  Redhead,  which  is  the  only  species  with  which  it  could 
be  confounded.  This  species  is  still  common  during  the  migrations 
in  both  Illinois  and  Wisconsin.  Although  it  may  have  formerly 
bred  occasionally  in  Wisconsin,  it  is  doubtful  if  it  does  so  at  the 
present  time.  Messrs.  Kumlien  and  Hollister  write:  "We  know  of 
three  instances  of  females  being  seen  with  nestlings  but  incliite  to 
the  opinion  that  the  birds  were  winged  and  could  not  continue  the 
journey  northward."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  22.) 


53.     Marila  marila  (LiNN.). 
SCAUP  DUCK. 

Aythya  marila  nearctica  Stejn.,  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  P-  53- 
Local  names:  Bluebill  or  Blackhead. 


334     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Distr.:  Northern  hemisphere,  breeding  chiefly  (in  North  America) 
from  North  Dakota  to  Alaska  and  casually  to  the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence. 
The  greater  number  go  south  in  winter  to  the  Gulf  states,  Mexico,  and 
the  West  Indies. 

Adult  male:  Head  and  neck  and  upper  breast,  black,  showing  green- 
ish reflections;   back,  grayish  white,  delicately  lined  with  fine,  wavy 
lines  of  black,  giving -it  a  grayish  appearance; 
^gflH^^  speculum,  white;  under  parts,  white,  the  lower 

belly  showing  grayish  tinge.     Length,  19;  wing^ 
^^~^^H         m  8.50;  tarsus,  1.50,  bill,  2. 

*^*^  Adult    female:    Patch    at 

Jgl  ^j[  ^P^H^      tne  base  of  the  bill,  white  or 

J|p  J^Sfcfc  *Y;'"r^     grayish    white;     rest    of    the 

Bgjfa  >lf      head  and   neck>   breast,   and 

sH  'm        upper  back,  brownish;   belly, 

IpC  .•,'''  l-'M        white;   speculum,  white. 

cT   *  9    '  Length,  17.75;  wing,  8.25; 

tarsus,  1.30;   bill,  1.60. 

The  Scaup  Duck  occurs  on  Lake  Michigan  and  waters  in  the  in- 
terior of  Illinois  and  Wisconsin  during  the  migrations.  More  or  less 
common,  varying  in  different  seasons,  but  rare  in  comparison  with 
next  species. 

54.     Marila  affinis  (EYTON). 
LESSER  SCAUP  DUCK. 

Aythya  affinis  (Eyt.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  P-  53- 
Local  name:  Bluebill. 

Distr.:  North  America  in  general,  breeding  chiefly  north  of  the 
United  States;  south  in  winter  to  the  Gulf  coast  and  West  Indies, 
Mexico,  and  Central  America  to  Panama. 

Adult  male:  Resembles  the  male  of  the  preceding  species,  but  is 

somewhat  smaller  in  size;    the   head   generally   shows   a   faint   gloss 

of  purplish,  which  in  the   Scaup   Duck  is  usually 

^flj^t  greenish,  and  the  wavy  black  bars  on  the   flanks 

JZ.         t^»»    are  more  distinct  and  heavier;   speculum,  white. 

''&jjlr'  Length,   about    17;   wing,   about    8.10;   tarsus* 

:|p^pgk  J-S0;    bill,  1.75. 

-'T%^  Adult  female:  Similar  to  the  female  of  the  pre- 

•sO"      l|k  ceding  species,  except  that  it  is  smaller. 

^  The   white  speculum    (band  on  the  wing)  will 

JsSf  -A     always  distinguish  this  species  in  any  plumage  from 
the  Ring-necked  Duck,  which  has  the  speculum  gray. 
Length,  about  16.25;  wm§>  about  7.75;   bill,  about  1.55. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


335 


The  Lesser  Scaup  Duck  is  abundant  on  Lake  Michigan  and  in  the 
interior  waters  of  Illinois  and  Wisconsin  during  the  migrations.  It 
may  occasionally  breed  in  Illinois,  and,  according  to  Kumlien  and 
Hollister,  it  breeds  in  Wisconsin.  The  nest  is  on  the  ground,  usually 
composed  of  grass  and  lined  with  down.  The  eggs  are  7  to  10,  grayish 
buff  or  olive  buff,  and  measure  about  2.25  x  1.60  inches. 

"An  exceedingly  abundant  migrant,  and  in  years  when  the  Lake 
does  not  become  frozen  over,  is  a  resident  through  the  year.  *  *  *  * 
About  the  time  they  leave  for  more  northern  breeding  grounds,  they 
congregate  in  very  large  flocks  on  rivers  or  small  lakes  and  soon 
all  have  disappeared  from  these  haunts,  and  none,  except  the 
comparatively  few  which  remain  to  breed,  are  found  there  again 
until  they  return  in  Autumn,  about  the  5th  to  loth  of  October." 
(Nelson,  Birds  of  N.  E.  Illinois,  1876,  p.  141.)  "An  exceedingly 
abundant  migrant  both  spring  and  fall.  *  *  *  *  To  a  limited  extent 
a  breeding  species  even  in  southern  Wisconsin,  having  been  known  to 
nest  anywhere  from  the  southern  counties  northward."  (Kumlien 
and  Hollister,  Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  23.) 


55.     Marila  collaris  (DONOV.). 
RING-NECKED  DUCK. 

Ay  thy  a  collaris  (Donov.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  53. 
Distr.:    North  America,  breeding  chiefly  from  North  Dakota  to 
the  Athabaska  region  and  migrating  south  in  winter  to  the  Gulf 
coast,  the  Greater  Antilles,  Lower  California,  and  Mexico. 

Adult  male:  Head  and  neck,  upper  breast,  and  upper  back,  black, 
usually  showing  faint  bluish  reflections  when  held  in  the  light.     In 
the  breeding   season   the   male   has   an   orange 
chestnut  collar,  which  is  usually  lacking  later  in 
the    season;    belly,   white,-  with 
the  lower  belly  finely  lined  with 
blackish;    speculum,   gray;    bill, 
dusky,    showing   a   faint   bluish 
gray  band  near  the  end. 

Adult  female:  Head,  brown- 
ish, the  sides  mixed  with  grayish 
brown  shading  into  whitish  on 
face  about  base  of  the  bill;  belly,  whitish,  becoming  grayish  on  the 
lower  portion;  bill,  as  in  the  male.  Resembles  the  female  Redhead 
Duck,  but  is  smaller. 

Length,  17;   wing,  8;  bill,  2. 

The    Ring-necked    Duck  is  common    in    Illinois    and    Wisconsin 


336     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

during  the  migrations.  It  breeds  more  or  less  commonly  in  Wisconsin 
and  also  does  so  (or  did)  in  northern  Illinois.  The  nest  is  built  on 
the  ground,  usually  in  marshes  or  at  least  near  water.  The  eggs  are 
from  8  to  12,  pale  buff  or  olive  buff  in  color,  and  measure  2.25  x  1.65 
inches. 

"It  often  passes  the  winter  in  the  southern  portions  of  Illinois." 
(Ridgway.)  "This  species  also  breeds  about  the  marshes  in  north- 
eastern Illinois."  (Nelson.)  "Very  common  during  spring  and  fall 
and  to  some  extent  a  summer  resident.  *  *  *  Even  at  the  present 
day  some  few  nest  regularly  as  far  south  as  Rock  County  and  more  in 
the  less  settled  regions."  (Kumlien  and  Hollister,  Birds  of  Wisconsin, 
1903,  p.  23.) 

Genus  CLANGULA  Oken. 

56.     Clangula   clangula   americana   (BONAP.). 

AMERICAN  GOLDEN-EYE. 

Glaucionetta  clangula  americana  (Bonap.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List, 
1895,  p.  54. 

Local  names:  Whistler.     Golden-eye  Duck. 

Distr.:  North  America,  breeding  chiefly  from  Maine  and  North 
Dakota  northward  and  westward  to  Alaska;  winters  from  the  Great 
Lakes  and  New  England  coast  south  as  far  as  Cuba,  Lower  Cali- 
fornia and  Mexico. 

Adult  male:  Head  and  throat,  glossy  dark  green;  a  patch  of  white 
on  cheeks  at  the  base  of  the  bill,  rather  round  in  form;  lower  throat 

and  under  parts,  white,  encir- 
cling the  neck  and  extending 
slightly  upon  the  upper  back; 
back,  black;  wings,  black;  many 
of  the  secondaries,  white,  and 
the  wing  coverts,  heavily  marked 
with  white,  giving  the  appear- 
ance of  a  very  broad  white  patch 
on  the  wing. 

Length,  19.50;  wing,  9;  bill,  1.50;  side  of  bill,  1.90;  tarsus,  1.70; 
tail,  3.80. 

Adult  female:  Head  and  throat,  hair -brown;  neck,  whitish;  upper 
breast  and  sides  of  the  body,  strongly  tinged  with  gray,  the  ends  of 
the  feathers  being  whitish;  rest  of  the  under  parts,  white;  back, 
brownish  black;  wings,  black;  secondaries,  mostly  white,  forming  a 
broad,  white  wing  band;  wing  coverts,  tipped  with  gray. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  337 

Length,  16.50;  wing,  8.25;  bill,  1.30;  side  of  bill,  1.80;  tarsus, 
1.25;  tail,  3.75. 

This  species  is  common  on  Lake  Michigan  during  the  migrations 
and  in  winter.  It  occurs  both  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin  and  is 
claimed  to  breed  in  the  latter  state.  The  Golden-eye  Duck  usually 
builds  its  nest  in  a  hollow  tree.  The  eggs  are  7  to  10,  pale  grayish 
green  or  grayish  blue  in  color,  and  measure  about  2.30  x  1.70  inches. 

"Common  migrant  throughout  the  state  and  abundant  on  Lake 
Michigan,  where  it  is  usually  a  winter  resident."  (Nelson,  Birds  of 
N.  E.  Illinois,  1876,  p.  141.)  "Common  migrant  and  winter  resident 
wherever  there  is  open  water.  There  are  several  breeding  records  for 
northern  Wisconsin  and  we  have  ourselves  seen  adult  males  at  various 
northern  points  during  the  summer,  but  found  no  actual  evidence  of 
nesting."  (Kumlien  and  Hollister,  Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  24.) 

57.     Clangula  islandica  (GMEL.). 
BARROW'S  GOLDEN-EYE. 

Glaucionetta  islandica  (Gmel.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  P-  54- 
Distr.:   Iceland,  Greenland  and  northern  North  America,  breeding 
from  the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence  northward;    south  in  winter  to  New 
York,  Utah,  and  California. 

Adult  male:    Head  and  neck,  dark  bluish  purple;    rest    of   under 

parts,  white;   a  crescent-shaped  spot  of  white  on  the  cheeks  at  base  of 

^^^^  bill;    a  band    of    white    about    two    inches    wide 

j^af  PHk  passes  round  the  neck  and  joins  the  white  of  the 

jjj&       IP  RV          sides  and  breast ;  rest  of  upper  parts,  black;  wings, 

^•^5^^^     black;    and  wing  coverts,   heavily    marked    with 

white,   and  many  of  the  secondaries,  white;    tail, 

black. 

-,  Wing,  9.20  (male),  8.70  (female);  bill,  1,25,  on 

side,  2;  tail,  4;  tarsus,  1.50. 

Adult  female:  Resembles  the  female  American  Golden-eye,  but 
is  somewhat  larger;  head,  dark  cinnamon-brown;  lower  throat  and 
under  parts,  white,  tinged  with  gray  on  the  upper  breast  and  sides  of 
the  body;  back,  gray,  slightly  mottled  with  brown,  shading  into  brown 
on  the  rump;  wings,  black;  many  of  the  secondaries,  white,  and  the 
greater  and  lesser  wing  coverts,  tipped  with  grayish  white ;  bill  shorter 
and  narrower  at  tip  than  in  C.  c.  americana. 

Barrow's  Golden-eye  is  a  rare  winter  visitant  to  Lake  Michigan. 
Mr.  Frajik  M.  Woodruff  procured  two  specimens  on  Lake  Michigan 
near  the  Daily  News  Sanitarium,  Dec.  n,  1896.  (The  Auk,  1897, 


338     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

p.  227-288.)  "It  is  a  rare  winter  visitant,  reaching  here  about 
the  southern  limit  of  its  distribution."  (Ridgway,  Ornithology  of 
Illinois,  1895,  p.  170.)  "A  winter  resident  upon  Lake  Michigan  and 
found  irregularly  throughout  the  state  at  that  season.  A  speci- 
men was  obtained  at  Mt.  Carmel  on  the  Wabash  River,  in  Decem- 
ber, 1874,  by  Prof.  F.  Stein,  and  I  have  observed  it  at  Chicago." 
(Nelson,  Birds  N.  E.  Illinois,  1876,  p.  142.).  Mr.  J.  G.  Parker,  Jr.  has 
a  specimen  taken  at  Fox  Lake,  Illinois,  January  2,  1889.  (Butler, 
Birds  of  Indiana,  1897,  p.  622.)  "Actual  records  for  the  state  are 
not  many.  Reported  from  Racine  in  1860  by  Dr.  Hoy.  One  speci- 
men was  sent  to  Thure  Kumlien  from  Edgerton  in  1877,  and  one  was 
shot  by  L.  Kumlien,  Nov.  14,  1896,  on  Lake  Koshkonong."  (Kumlien 
and  Hollister,  Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  24. ) 


Genus  CHARITONETTA  Stejneger. 
58.     Charitonetta  albeola  (LINN.). 

BUFFLE-HEAD. 

Local  names:    Butter-ball.     Dipper.     Bume-headed  Duck. 

Distr.:  North  America,  breeding  from  Maine  and  Montana  north- 
ward to  Labrador  and  Alaska;  south  in  winter  to  the  United  States, 
and  occasionally  as  far  as  Cuba  (one  record )  and  Mexico. 

Adult  male:  A  very  small  duck;  head,  upper  neck,  and  throat, 
greenish  purple,  showing  various  reflections  of  bluish  and  greenish; 
a  large  white  patch  on  the  head,  from  the  eye  backwards;  back,  black; 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  339 

under  parts,  white;  bill,  lead  color;  feet,  flesh  color;  wing  coverts, 
and  some  of  the  secondaries,  heavily  marked  with  white,  forming  a 
broad,  white  wing  patch. 

Length,  12.75;    wmg>  6;    tarsus,  1.20;    bill,  i. 

Adult  female:  Head  and  upper  parts,  brownish,  showing  a  grayish 
white  patch  on  the  side  of  the  head;  under  parts,  white;  speculum, 
white. 

Length,  12.50;   wing,  5.75;   tarsus,  1.20;   bill,  i. 

This  species,  like  the  Golden-eye,  builds  its  nest  in  a  hollow  tree 
or  stump.  It  is  common  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin  during  the  migra- 
tions and  in  winter.  There  is  no  authentic  record  of  its  nest  having 
been  found  in  either  state,  although  according  to  Kumlien  and  Hoi- 
lister:  "Young  still  unable  to  fly  have  been  shot  on  Pewaukee  Lake 
by  B.  F.  Goss."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  25.) 


Genus   HARELDA   Stephens. 

59.     Harelda  hyemalis  (LINN.). 

OLD-SQUAW. 

Clangula  hyemalis  (Linn.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  55. 
Local  names:  Old  Wife.     Long-tailed  Duck. 

Distr.:  Northern  hemisphere,  breeding  from  Hudson  Bay  and 
northern  Labrador  north  to  about  latitude  82;  winters  in  eastern 
United  States  from  New  England  to  the  middle  states  and  casually 
to  Florida,  on  the  Pacific  side  to  California  and  Texas. 

Adult  male  in  winter:  Central  tail  feathers,  black,  much  elongated; 
outer  tail  feathers,  white;  top  of  the  head  and  back  of  the  neck  to 

back;  white;  a  patch  of  grayish  on 
the  sides  of  the  head,  including  the 

jm^>-        ^*t"*X  eye>  which  is  succeeded  by  a -patch 

:J£  fi  *^S^        of  black  on  the  sides  of  the  neck, 

W  x 

^      \  upper   breast,    pure  white;    breast 

1%hfc*«45$ll^IBcr   ^Wffl^  9      and  uPPer  beny>  black,  the  black 

continuing  over  the  back  in  a  band; 

lower  belly  and  under  tail  coverts,  white;  wing  coverts,  black;  quills, 
brown;  a  pale  yellowish  band  across  the  end  of  the  bill. 

Adult  male  in  spring:  Head,  smoky  brown  or  black;  crown,  black; 
a  white  patch  on  the  face  including  the  eyes;  entire  neck  and  breast, 
smoky  brown  or  black;  rest  of  under  parts,  dull  white;  feathers  of  the 
upper  back  and  scapulars  edged  with  rufous. 


>  ••£      *^*^*    bordered  on  the  lower  throat  by  an 
indication    of   brown;    throat   and 


340     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


' 


Adult  female  in  winter:  Head,  dull  white  on  the  crown,  and  a 
patch  on  the  side  of  the  back  of  the  head,  smoky  black  or  brownish 
black;  under  parts,  fuscous;  breast,  grayish;  belly,  white;  tail 
feathers,  pointed,  but  not  elongated  as  in  the  male. 

Length  (including  tail),  21;   wing,  8.50;   bill,  i.io. 

Abundant  on  Lake  Michigan  in  the  late  fall  and  winter  and  occurs 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  341 

occasionally  on  inland  waters  in  both  Illinois  and  Wisconsin.  Nelson 
records  it  from  Mt.  Carmel.  "Small  flocks  are  occasionally  seen 
during  the  fall  migration  at  St.  Louis,  Mo."  (Cooke. ) 


Genus   HISTRIONICUS  Less. 

60.     Histrionicus  histrionicus  (LiNN.). 

HARLEQUIN  DUCK. 

Distr.:  Northern  North  America  and  eastern  Asia;  south  to  middle 
Atlantic  states,  California  and  Japan  in  winter;  breeds  in  Labrador, 
Greenland,  Great  Bear  Lake,  and  intermediate  localities  about  latitude 
65°.  Nests  in  hollow  stumps  and  trees. 

Adult  male:    Head,  variously  marked  with   gray,    white,    rufous 
brown,  and  black;    a  collar  of  white  edged  with  black  passes  around 
the    neck;    a  broad   band  of   white  edged   with 
black  commences  on  the  sides  of  the  breast  and  ex- 
tends upwards;  under  parts,  grayish  brown;  sides 
heavily  marked  with  rufous  brown; 
back,    dark  slate;    the   scapularies 
and    tertials  marked    with    white; 
speculum,   very  dark  blue ;   under 
tail  coverts,  bluish  black,  showing 
a  spot  of  white  on  the  sides;  tail, 
pointed. 

Wing,  7.50;  bill,  i;  sides  of  bill,  1.35;  tail,  4.50;  tarsus,  1.25. 
Adult  female:  Head,  grayish  brown;  face,  whitish;  spot  of  white 
on  the  ear  coverts;  entire  upper  plumage,  dull  brown;  some  of  the 
feathers  slightly  washed  with  grayish;  breast,  grayish  brown;  rest  of 
under  parts,  mottled  grayish  brown;  wings  and  tail,  brown,  without 
white. 

The  Harlequin  Duck  is  a  rare  winter  visitant  on  Lake  Michigan. 
"Rather  rare  winter  resident  upon  Lake  Michigan."  (Nelson,  Birds 
N.  E.  111.,  1876,  p.  142.)  "The  Harlequin  Duck  is  a  winter  visitant 
or  resident  in  Illinois,  but  is  probably  not  at  any  time  a  common 
species."  (Ridgway,  Orn.  of  Illinois,  1895,  p.  173.)  "Rare  winter 
straggler  to  Lake  Michigan.  Dr.  Hoy  obtained  at  least  four  specimens 
at  Racine."  (Kumlien  and  Hollister,  Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  25.) 
"Very  rare;  admitted  in  Gibbs'  Birds  of  Michigan.  *  *  *  *  Prof. 
Ludwig  Kumlien  writes  me  that  he  has  taken  two  specimens  in 
Jefferson  Co.,  Wisconsin."  (A.  J.  Cook,  Birds  of  Michigan,  1893,  p. 
44.)  A  bird  of  this  species  was  killed  in  1880  on  a  small  lake  in 
Marion  Co.,  Illinois,  about  seven  miles  from  St.  Louis,  and  recorded 


342     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

by  Mr.  Julius  Hurter.  (Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  1881,  p.  124.)  "It 
is  found  throughout  Illinois  in  winter  and  has  been  taken  at  St.  Louis, 
Mo."  (W.  W.  Cooke,  Bd.  Migr.  Miss.  Val.,  1888,  p.  73.) 


Genus  SOMATERIA  Leach. 
61.     Somateria  dresseri  SHARPE. 

AMERICAN  EIDER  DUCK. 

Distr.:    Atlantic  coast  of   North  America,  from  Maine  to  Labra- 
dor, south  to  Delaware  and  west  to  the  Great  Lakes  in  winter. 

Adult  male:   Top  of   head,  black,  with  a  stripe  of  white  on  the 
middle  of  the  crown;  occiput,  pale  green,  the  color  extending  on  the 

sides  of  the    neck;    rest 
of  head,  breast  and  back, 
white,      faintly      tinged 
dull     pinkish    on 


under  parts,  black;  tail, 
black;  point  of  the  di- 
vided  culmen  extending 
9  j^SPW^  upon  the  forehead,  blunt 
and  rounded. 

Adult  female:  General  color,  pale  rufous  brown,  mottled  and 
banded  with  black;  head,  tawny  brown,  faintly  lined  and  dotted  with 
black;  some  of  the  secondaries  tipped  with  white. 

Length,  about  23;  wing,  about  n;  tarsus,  1.75;  bill,  2.10. 

The  American  Eider  Duck  closely  resembles  the  Northern  Eider, 
the  principle  difference  being  in  the  shape  of  the  divided  culmen,  the 
points  of  which  are  broad  and  rounded,  and  not  pointed  as  in  the 
latter  species.  The  Northern  Eider,  however,  has  not  as  yet  been 
recorded  from  the  Lake  Michigan  region,  although  it  occurs  commonly 
in  Hudson  Bay. 

A  rare  resident  on  Lake  Michigan  in  winter.  A  young  male  bird 
of  this  species  was  shot  by  a  fisherman  on  the  Lake  front  in  Chicago, 
Dec.  i,  1908.  The  specimen  was  purchased  by  Mr.  J.  L.  DeVine  who 
kindly  loaned  it  to  me  for  examination. 

"  Not  a  very  rare  winter  resident  upon  Lake  Michigan  and  prob- 
ably occurs  in  suitable  places  throughout  the  state.  In  my  collection 
is  an  immature  specimen  obtained  near  Chicago,  in  December,  1874." 
(Nelson,  Birds  N.  E.  111.,  1876,  p.  142.)  "Lake  Michigan  in  winter, 
rare.  Recorded  at  Racine  in  winter,  1875,  by  Dr.  Hoy.  Two  spec- 
imens were  also  taken  at  Milwaukee  and  were  preserved  in  the  Public 
Museum.  The  only  positive  record  for  the  interior  that  we  are  aware 


« 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  343 

of  is  one  specimen,  a  female,  shot  on  Lake  Koshkonong  in  November, 
1891."     (Kumlien  and  Hollister,  Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  25.) 

Subgenus   ERIONETTA  Coues. 
62.     Somateria  spectabilis  (LINN.). 

KING  EIDER  DUCK. 

Dtstr.:   Arctic  regions,  south  in  winter  occasionally  as  far  as  the 
Great  Lakes  and  Virginia.     It  is  found  on  the  Pacific  side  among  the 
Aleutian  and  Kadiak  Islands,  accidental  as  far  south  as  San  Francisco. 
Special  characters,   adult  male:    Top   and  back  of  the  head   and 
nape,   pale  bluish   gray;   a  black  V  on  the  upper  throat;    feathers 
bordering  the  upper  mandible  and  a  spot  below 
the   eye,  black;   sides  of   head  below   the   eye, 
whitish,  more  or  less  tinged  with  green;  throat, 
white;    breast  and  upper  back,  pale  buff;   rest 
°f  under  parts,  black;   middle  and  greater  wing 
coverts,    white;    rest  of  wings,   tail   and   lower 
back,  black;  upper  back,  white;  axillars,  white. 
Length,  24;    wing,  11.25;    tarsus,  1.90;    bill, 
1.30. 

Special  characters,  adult  female:  Resembles  in 

general  coloration  the  Northern  and  American  Eiders  but  may  always 
be  known  by  the  peculiar  shape  of  the  upper  mandible. 

Length,  21  to  24;  wing,  10.50  to  11.30;  tarsus,  1.80;  bill,  1.25. 
The  King  Eider  is  a  rare  winter  resident  on  Lake  Michigan. 
"  Rare  winter  visitant,  perhaps  winter  resident  to  Lake  Michigan  and 
other  parts  of  the  state.  An  adult  female  obtained  at  Chillicothe  on 
the  Illinois  River  in  the  winter  of  1874  has  been  sent  to  the  National 
Museum  by  W.  H.  Collins,  Esq.,  of  Detroit,  Mich.  (Ridgway. )"  (Nel- 
son, Birds  N.  E.  111.,  1876,  p.  143.)  Mr.  Wm.  E.  Praeger  records  a 
male  specimen  of  this  species  shot  in  the  Mississippi  River  near  Keo- 
kuk,  Iowa,  in  November,  1894.  (The  Auk,  1895,  p.  86.)  Kum- 
lien and  Hollister  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  p.  26)  mention  6  specimens  as 
having  been  taken  in  Wisconsin:  Racine  i,  Milwaukee  4,  Lako.She- 
boygan  i,  and  others  were  observed. 

Genus   OIDEMIA   Fleming. 

63.     Oidemia  americana  Sw.  &  RICH. 

AMERICAN  SCOTER  DUCK. 

Local  name:  Butter-bill  Coot. 

Distr.:  Northern  North  America,  breeding  from  latitude  52°  north- 


344     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

ward;   winters  from  New  Foundland  to  North  Carolina  and  casually 
to  Florida;   on  the  Pacific  side  from  Aleutian  Islands  to  California. 

Adult  male:  General  plumage,  entirely  black;  bill,  black,  the  upper 
mandible  being  yellowish  orange  at  the  base ;  feathers  on  the  bill  more 

than  one-half  inch  from  the  nostril; 
no  white  on  the  wing. 

Adult  'female:  Brownish,  or 
sooty  brown ;  paler  on  the  under 
parts,  becoming  grayish  white  on 
the  belly;  sides  of  the  head, 
whitish;  feathers  on  the  bill  more 
than  one-half  inch  from  nostril; 
no  white  on  the  wing.  The 
female  is  smaller  than  the  male. 

Length,  19;   wing,  9.10;  tarsus,  1.65;   bill,  1.80. 
The  American  Scoter  Duck  is  a  common  winter  resident  on  Lake 
Michigan,   its  numbers  varying  with  different   seasons.     Arrives  in 
November  and  leaves  early  in  April. 


Subgenus  MELANITTA  Boie. 
64.     Oidemia  deglandi  BONAP. 

WHITE-WINGED  SCOTER. 

Local  names:  White-winged  Coot.     Velvet  Duck. 
Distr.:  Northern  North  America,  breeding  from  North  Dakota  and 
Labrador  north  to  Hudson  Bay  and  the  Arctic  coast;  winters  from  the 
Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence  to  South  Carolina  and  casually  to  Florida,  and 
on  the  Pacific  side  from  Alaska  to  Lower  California. 

Adult    male:    General  plumage,  black;    upper    mandible,    orange, 
blackish  at  the  base;  a  white  spot  under  the  eye  and  a  broad  patch 

of  white  on  the  wing; 
feathers  on  the  bill  less 
than  one-half  inch  from 
the  nostril. 

Adult  female:  Is  gray- 
ish brown,  showing  a 
wash  of  grayish  white 
at  the  base  of  the  bill 
and  behind  the  ears;  the 
speculum  is  white,  which  is  a  good  distinguishing  character. 

Length,    21;   wing,    11.15;     tarsus,    2;    bill   (culmen),    1.75;    side 
measure,   2.75. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  345 

A  common  winter  resident  on  Lake  Michigan  and  on  the  larger 
waters  in  the  interior  of  Illinois  and  Wisconsin  and  abundant  during 
migrations. 

Subgenus  PELIONETTA   Kaup. 

65.     Oidemia  perspicillata  (LiNN.). 
SURF  SCOTER. 

Local  names:  Skunk-head  Coot.     Goggle-nose. 
Distr.:    Northern  North  America,  breeding  from   Newfoundland 
west  to  Alaska;    winters  from  the  Gulf  of  St.   Lawrence  to   South 
Carolina   and  casually  to  Florida,  and  on  the  west  coast  from  the 
Aleutian    Islands  to    Lower   California. 

Adult  male:  General  plumage,  black,  no  white  on  the  wing;  head, 
black,  with  a  white  patch  on  the  forehead  and  nape;  feathers  on  the 

bill,   less  than  one-half 
inch  from  the  nostril. 

A  peculiar  highly 
colored  bill  is  one  of 
the  distinguishing 
marks  of  the  male  of 
this  species,  it  being 
orange,  yellow,  black, 
and  white,  the  feathers 

on  the  top  of  the  bill  extending  much  farther  forward  than  on  the 
sides. 

Female  and  immature:  Brownish,  showing  a  whitish  spot  at  the 
base  of  the  bill,  and  back  of  the  eyes;  the  female  having  the  upper 
parts,  brownish;  under  parts,  ashy  gray,  shading  into  whitish  on  the 
belly. 

Length,  20.50;  wing,  9.60;  tarsus,  1.65;  bill  (culmen),.  1.50; 
side  measure,  2.35. 

This  species  may  always  be  distinguished  from  O.  americana  by 
the  forward  extension  of  the  feathers  on  the  top  of  the  bill,  and  from 
O.  deglandi  by  the  absence  of  the  white  wing  patch. 

Abundant  on  Lake  Michigan  in  fall  and  winter,  and  in  many  of  the 
interior  waters  of  Wisconsin  and  Illinois  until  ice  forms.  Leaves  for 
the  north  the  last  of  March. 


346     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Genus  ERISiMATURA   Bonap. 

66.     Erismatura  jamaicensis  (GMEL.). 

RUDDY  DUCK. 

Erismatura  rubida  (Wils.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  P-  59- 
Distr.:  North  America  in  general,  from  Hudson  Bay,  British  Col- 
umbia and  Great  Slave  Lake   to   the   West    Indies,    Mexico,    Lower 
California,  and  Central  America;  breeds  nearly  throughout  its  range. 
Adult  male  in  breeding  plumage:  Top  of  head  and  nape,  black; 
sides  of  head,  white;  chin,  whitish;  throat,  breast,  and  sides  of  body, 

flanks  and  rest  of  upper  parts,  deep 
rufous  brown;  wings,  brown,  with- 
out white  patch;  axillars,  grayish 
white,  with  pale  brown  or  grayish 
/'.  ,/  brown  shafts;  tail,  black,  the 
feathers  stiff  and  pointed. 

Adult  female:  The  general  color 

of  the  upper  parts  is  brownish  gray;  sides  of  the  head  and  throat, 
whitish,  shading  into  gray  on  the  lower  throat  and  upper  breast; 
under  parts,  silver  white,  as  in  the  male. 

Length,   15.30;    wing,  6;    tarsus,   1.20;    bill,   1.50. 
The  Ruddy  Duck  may  easily  be  distinguished  from  other  species 
by  its  small  size,  and  stiff,  pointed  tail  feathers.     It  is  common  during 
the  migrations  in  spring  and  fall,  and  a  few  remain  in  summer,  and 
breed  in  both  Illinois  and  Wisconsin. 

Nelson  mentions  young  birds  of  this  species  having  been  seen  in 
northern  Illinois,  and  Cooke  states  that  it  is  known  to  breed  casually 
in  Ohio  and  Illinois.  (Bull.  Biol.  Survey,  No.  26,  1906,  p.  63.)  It 
breeds  regularly  in  southern  Minnesota  and  casually  in  Wisconsin. 
Kumlien  and  Hollister  state:  "A  few  br«ed  in  the  state,  as  about 
Lake  Koshkonong,  Pewaukee  Lake,  Lake  Horicon,  etc.,  but  sparingly 
of  late."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  27.) 


Genus   NOMONYX   Ridgway. 
67.     Nomonyx  dominicus  (LiNN.). 

MASKED  DUCK. 

Distr.:  Tropical  America  in  general,  including  West  Indies, 
ranging  north  as  far  as  southern  Texas,  accidental  in  eastern  North 
America.  Stragglers  have  been  taken  in  Massachusetts,  New  York, 
and  Wisconsin. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  — CORY.  347 

Special  characters,  adult  male:  Front  of  head  and  face,  black; 
back  of  head  and  neck,  rich  rufous  brown,  shading  into  pale  chest- 
nut, or  tawny  brown  on  the  under 
parts;  basal  portion  of  wing  coverts, 
white,  forming  a  white  patch  on  the 
wing;  primaries,  brown;  feathers  of 
the  back,  black,  edged  with  rufous 
brown;  tail,  black,  the  feathers  stiff 
and  pointed;  axillars,  white;  upper 

mandible,  light  blue  in  life,  showing  a  narrow  middle  stripe  of  black; 
feet,  gray. 

Adult  female:  Top  of  the  head,  and  a  stripe  through  the  eye, 
and  a  cheek  stripe,  black,  or  brownish  black;  rest  of  the  head,  and 
upper  throat,  pale  buff  color,  whitish  on  the  chin;  breast,  tawny, 
mottled  with  black;  rest  of  under  parts,  washed  with  tawny  brown, 
shading  into  grayish  on  the  abdomen;  back,  dark  brown,  the  feathers 
tipped  with  pale  brown,  or  tawny  brown;  wings  and  tail,  as  in  the 
male;  axillars,  white. 

This  tropical  species  has  been  taken  in  Wisconsin;  the  record  is 
as  follows:  "A  single  female  was  procured  by  Thure  Kumlien,  on 
Rock  River  near  Newville,  November,  1870,  and  is  now  preserved 
in  the  collection  of  the  Boston  Society  of  Natural  History."  (Kum- 
lien and  Hollister,  Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  27.) 


Subfamily   ANSERINE.      Geese. 

Geese  are  gregarious,  especially  during  migrations.  When  flying 
the  flock  assumes  a  V-shaped  form  and  is  led  (it  is  claimed)  by  an  old 
gander.  They  feed  principally  upon  roots,  seeds  of  aquatic  plants, 
and  grain  and  are  often  found  in  the  grain  fields  in  large  numbers. 
The  sexes  are  similar. 

Genus  CHEN  Boie. 
68.     Chen  hyperborea  (PALL.). 

LESSER  SNOW  GOOSE. 
Local  name:  White  Brant. 

Distr.:  North  America,  breeds  from  Melville  Peninsula  to  Vic- 
toria Land  and  probably  north  to  latitude  74°;  winters  from  southern 
Illinois,  lower  Mississippi  Valley,  Louisiana,  and  Texas  to  Mexico  and 
Guatemala,  casually  to  New  England. 


348     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Adult:  General  plumage,  white;  primaries,  black;  and  primary 
coverts,  pale  ash.  The  immature  bird  has  the  head,  neck,  and  upper 
parts,  mottled  gray  and  white;  the  rump  and  tail  are  white;  under 
parts,  white. 

Length,  23  to  28;  wing,  14  to  17;  bill,  2  to  2.35;  tarsus,  2.90  to 
3.20. 

The  Lesser  Snow  Goose  is  more  or  less' common  in  Illinois  and 
Wisconsin  during  the  migrations,  apparently  much  more  numerous 
along  the  Mississippi  Valley  than  on  Lake  Michigan. 


68a.     Chen  hyperborea  nivalis  (FORST.). 
GREATER  SNOW  GOOSE. 

Local  name:  White  Brant. 

Distr.:  Northeastern  North  America,  breeds  in  the  far  North. 
It  is  known  to  winter  in  numbers  in  the  lower  Mississippi  Valley  and 
on  the  coast  of  North  Carolina  and  Chesapeake  Bay.  Casual  or 
accidental  as  far  south  as  Cuba  and  Jamaica. 


Adult:    Resembles  the  Lesser  Snow  Goose,  but  is  larger.     Wing, 
17  to  17.75;  bill,  2.50  to  2.70;   tarsus,  3.10  to  3.50.     Not  uncommon 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


349 


in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin  during  the  migrations.     More  common  along 
the  Mississippi  Valley. 

69.     Chen  caerulescens  (LiNN.). 
BLUE  GOOSE. 

Local  name:    Bald  Brant.     Blue  Brant. 

Distr.:  Northeastern  interior  of  North  America,  probably  breed- 
ing north  and  east  of  Hudson  Bay;  nest  and  eggs  as  yet  unknown. 
Winters  from  southern  Illinois  throughout  the  lower  Mississippi 
Valley,  Louisiana,  and  Texas;  accidental  in  California,  Cuba,  and  the 
Bahamas. 

Adult:  Head  and  neck,  white  or  white,  tinged  with  orange  brown, 
or  white  tinged  with  grayish;  back  and  breast,  dark  slaty  brown; 


the  feathers  margined  with  lighter  brown;  wing  coverts  and  concealed 
portion  of  primaries  and  secondaries,  slaty  gray;  exposed  portion 
of  primaries  and  secondaries,  brownish  black;  greater  portion  of  the 
shafts,  white;  lower  back  and  rump,  slaty  gray;  under  parts,  dull 
slaty  gray,  the  feathers  margined  with  pale  brown  or  rusty  brown; 
axillars,  hoary  gray,  with  grayish  brown  shafts. 


350     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Wing,  16.25;  "tail,  5.75;  tarsus,  2.75;  bill  (culmen),  2.37;  bill, 
(nostril  to  tip),  1.37. 

The  Blue  Goose  is  not  uncommon  along  the  Mississippi  Valley 
during  the  migrations  and  occurs  both  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin, 
usually  associated  with  White-fronted  Geese  or  Snow  Geese. 


Genus   ANSER   Brisson. 

70.     Anser  albifrons  gambeli  (HARTL.). 

AMERICAN  WHITE-FRONTED  GOOSE. 

Local  names:  Brant.     Speckle-belly.     Yellow-legged  Goose. 

Distr.:  Northern  North  America,  rare  on  the  Atlantic  coast; 
breeds  in  Alaska  and  winters  in  southern  United  States  from  southern 
Illinois  southward  and  west  to  Texas,  Mexico,  and  Lower  California. 

Adult:  Forehead  and  base  of  bill,  white;  the  rest  of  the  head, 
brownish;  neck,  grayish  brown,  shading  into  dull  white  in  front; 


White-fronted  Goose. 

under  parts,  whitish,  the  breast  showing  black  markings;  back,  ashy 
gray, 'the  feathers  edged  with  brown  on  the  upper  part;  shafts  of 
quills,  white;  bill,  pinkish  or  reddish  or  pale  white;  feet,  yellow. 

The  immature  bird  is  similar,  but  shows  no  white  on  the  base  of 
the  bill,  or  black  markings  on  the  breast. 

Length,  28;  wing,  16;  bill,  2;  tarsus,  2.90. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  351 

This  species  is  much  less  common  than  formerly,  but  still  occurs 
in  more  or  less  numbers  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin  during  the  migra- 
tions. 

Genus   BRANTA   Scopoli. 
71.     Branta  canadensis  (LiNN.). 
CANADA  GOOSE. 

Distr.:  Temperate  North  America,  breeding  chiefly  from  the  Sas- 
katchewan and  Alberta,  Minnesota  and  North  Dakota  northward; 
south  in  winter  from  the  middle  Atlantic  coast  and  Gulf  states  as  far 
as  Jamaica  and  on  the  west  side  from  British  Columbia  to  Mexico. 

Adult:  Head  and  neck,  black;  a  patch  of  white  on  the  side  of  the 
head  behind  the  eye  extending  to  the  chin;  back  and  wings,  grayish 


Canada  Goose. 

brown;  breast  and  under  parts,  dull  grayish  white,  becoming  white 
on  the  belly;  tail,  black. 

The  immature  bird  is  similar,  but  has  the  throat  and  cheeks 
sometimes  mottled. 

Size,-  large;  length,  35  to  44;  wing,  15.75  to  21;  tarsus,  2.50  to 
3.75;  bill,  1.50  to  2.75. 


352     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

The  Canada  Goose  is*  common  during  the  migrations  in  Illinois 
and  Wisconsin,  and  once  bred  in  numbers  along  the  upper  Mississippi 
Valley,  but  at  the  present  time  a  few  pairs  make  their  nest  occasionally 
in  Michigan  and  Wisconsin,  and  possibly  a  very  few  in  Illinois.  The 
nest  is  a  mass  of  sticks  on  the  ground  (very  rarely  in  trees).  The 
eggs  are  usually  4  to  5,  cream  white  or  ivory  white  in  color,  and 
measure  about  3.20  x  2.25. 

The  following  varieties  or  subspecies  are  recognized.  There  are 
apparently  no  well  marked  differences  to  separate  them,  except  that 
of  size,  and,  while  the  extremes  are  easily  recognized,  intermediate 
specimens  are  numerous. 

7 1  a.     Branta  canadensis  hutchinsii  (Sw.  &  RICH.). 
HUTCHINS'S  GOOSE. 

Distr.:  Arctic  America,  south  to  Virginia,  the  Mississippi  Valley, 
Lower  California,  and  Mexico  in  winter ;  breeds  in  the  far  north  from 
Melville  Peninsula  to  Alaska. 

Adult:  Plumage,  similar  to  B.  canadensis;  size,  medium;  length. 
25  to  34;  wing,  14.75  to  17;  tarsus,  2.30  to  3.20;  bill,  1.20  to  1.90. 

The  Hutchins's  Goose  is  merely  a  small  form  of  the  Canada  Goose, 
intermediate  in  size  between  it  and  the  Cackling  Goose.  Common  in 
winter  from  southern  Illinois,  Louisiana,  and  Texas,  and  at  times 
abundant  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin  during  the  migrations. 


7lb.     Branta  canadensis  minima  RIDGW. 
CACKLING  GOOSE. 

Distr.:  Northwest  coast  of  Alaska  and  Lower  Yukon,  where  it 
breeds.  Winters  from  southern  British  Columbia  to  California; 
stragglers  occur  in  the  Mississippi  Valley  and  Wisconsin. 

Adult:  Breast  and  upper  belly  often  darker,  being  brownish  instead 
of  gray;  size,  small;  length,  21  to  25  inches;  wing,  13.60  to  14.50; 
tarsus,  2.30  to  2.75;  bill,  .95  to  1.15. 

If  this  form  occurs  in  Wisconsin  or  Illinois,  it  must  be  considered 
as  accidental. 

"Occasional  migrant  to  Mississippi  Valley,  Wisconsin,  Michigan, 
Illinois  (mentions  specimen  from  Andalusia,  Illinois)."  (Ridgway, 
Orn.  of  Illinois,  1895,  p.  123.)  "Sometimes  reaches  the  Mississippi 
Valley;  has  been  killed  as  far  east  as  Wisconsin."  (W.  W.  Cooke, 
Bird  Migration  Mississippi  Valley,  1888,  p.  78.)  Messrs.  Kumlien 
and  Hollister  say:  "Credited  to  the  fauna  of  Wisconsin  in  Ridgway 's 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  353 

Manual  of  North  American  Birds,  The  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  and  other 
works,  as  a  straggling  migrant.  A  small  goose  with  short  neck, 
minimum  amount  of  black,  dark  under  parts,  and  distinct  white 
crescent  at  the  forward  lower  part  of  black  neck  marking,  is  of  fre- 
quent occurrence  in  Wisconsin,  sometimes  in  large  flocks  made  up  of 
this  kind  entirely,  and  again  in  company  with  geese  of  every  varying 
degree  of  size  and  marking. 

"  Specimens  of  this  character  haye  been  examined  of  barely 
six  pounds  weight,  and  in  the  collection  of  Mr.  Skavlem  is  a  specimen 
weighing  five  and  one-half  pounds,  which  we  think  could  be  called 
typical  minima.  These  birds  are  locally  known  as  '  bull  necks ' 
by  the  sportsmen.  As  with  the  case  of  hutchinsii  compared  with 
canadensis,  there  are  also  intermediates  of  every  varying  degree 
between  this  form  and  both  the  others.  There  are  occasionally  large 
geese  with  dark  under  parts,  slender  necks,  and  a  distinct  collar  of 
white  on  lower  neck.  The  cheek  patches  appear  to  be  indifferently 
separated  by  black  on  throat  or  unbroken  among  geese  of  all  sizes, 
shape,  and  coloration.  We  have  examined  carefully  many  dozens  of 
fresh  specimens  killed  at  all  times  from  early  fall  until  late  spring  and 
frankly  admit  our  inability  to  satisfactorily  unravel  the  '  goose  ques- 
tion '  in  Wisconsin."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  29.) 

72.     Branta  bernicla  glaucogastra  (BREHM). 
BRANT. 

Branta  bernicla  (Linn.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  63. 

Distr.:  Arctic  regions,  breeding  in  the  far  north;  south  in  winter 
along  the  Atlantic  coast  to  the  Carolinas,  casual  in  Florida  and  acci- 
dental in  the  West  Indies.  Stragglers  have  been  recorded  from  Indi- 
ana, Wisconsin,  and  Nebraska. 

Adult:  Whole  of  the  head,  neck,  and  upper  breast,  black,  except 
the  sides  of  the  neck,  which  are  speckled  with  white;  back,  grayish 
brown;  longer  tail  coverts,  white;  lower  breast,  grayish,  shading  into 
white  on  the  belly. 

Length,  25;    wing,  13;    tarsus,  2.25;    bill,  1.30.  *• 

The  Brant  must  be  included  upon  the  authority  of  various  writers, 
but  if  it  occurs  at  all  so  far  in  the  interior,  it  is  merely  an  accidental 
straggler.  Hearsay  evidence  is  of  little  or  no  value  as  regards  this 
species,  as  many  of  the  smaller  geese  are  called  Brant  by  the  "gunners." 

Prof.  Ridgway  includes  it  in  his  Ornithology  of  Illinois  on  the 
authority  of  Prof.  Cooke.  "  During  the  winter  of  1883-84,  this  species 
was  represented  from  Illinois  southward  by  a  few  rare  visitants. 


354     FIELD'MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

There  is  much  uncertainty  in  using  the  records  concerning  this 
species,  because  it  is  so  commonly  confounded  with  the  Snow 
Goose,  which  is  locally  known  as  Brant  all  through  the  West."  (W. 
W.  Cooke,  Report  on  Bird  Migration  in  the  Mississippi  Valley, 
1888,  p.  78. )  "Probably  a  rare  visitant,  but  the  only  instance  known 
to  me  of  its  capture  in  this  portion  of  the  country  is  a  specimen  taken 
by  Dr.  Hoy  from  a  flock  of  three  upon  the  Lake  shore  near  Racine." 
(Nelson,  Bds.  N.  E.  Illinois,  1876,  p.  138.)  "The  Brant  has  been 
listed  as  a  bird  of  Wisconsin  for  a  great  many  years,  but  when  all  rec- 
ords are  sifted  we  have  left  as  authentic  only  the  one  of  Dr.  Hoy,  a 
single  specimen  taken  at  Racine  many  years  ago.  This  was  one  of 
three  from  the  shore  of  Lake  Michigan.  For  the  past  30  years  we 
have  run  down  '  Brant '  records  innumerable  to  find  that  in  every 
case  it  proved  to  be  something  else,  varying  from  the  common  Canada 
Goose  to  a  female  Eider  Duck."  (Kumlien  and  Hollister,  Birds  of 
Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  30.)  There  are  several  supposed  Michigan  records 
(A.  J.  Cook,  Birds  of  Michigan,  1893,  P-  47)-  an(^  ^  nas  also  been 
given  from  Indiana  (A.  W.  Butler,  Birds  of  Indiana,  1897,  p.  639), 
but  these  authorities  do  not  record  it  from  personal  observation. 


Subfamily   CYGNIN^.      Swans. 

During  the  migrations,  swans  are  found  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin. 
They  are  easily  recognized  by  their  large  size  and  long  necks.  The 
adults  (in  the  two  species  which  occur  in  Illinois)  are  white  and  the 
immature  birds,  gray.  When  migrating  the  flocks  assume  a  V  shaped 
form  like  the  geese.  Their  food  consists  of  aquatic  plants  and  roots 
and  occasionally  small  mollusks. 


Genus   OLOR   Wagler. 

73.     Olor  columbianus   (ORD). 

WHISTLING  SWAN. 

Distr.:  North  America,  breeding  in  high  latitudes;  south  in  win- 
ter to  the  Carolinas  and  occasionally  to  Florida.  It  is  common  on 
the  Gulf  coast  of  Louisiana  and  Texas  and  a  few  occasionally  winter 
in  southern  Illinois.  On  the  Pacific  side  it  winters  from  British 
Columbia  to  southern  California,  accidental  in  northern  Mexico. 

Adult:  General  plumage,  white;  bill  and  feet,  black;  a  small  yellow 
spot  (which  is  not  always  present)  on  bare  loral  skin  at  the  base  of 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  355 


Whistling  Swan. 

the  bill  -in  front  of  the  eye;  the  distance  from  the  front  angle  of  the 
eye  to  the  back  edge  of  the  nostril  is  more  than  the  distance  from  the  back 
edge  of  the  nostril  to  the  end  of  the  bill;  this  is  one  of  the  characters  by 
which  it  may  be  distinguished  from  the  Trumpeter  Swan,  which  also 
averages  larger;  bill,  and  feet,  black. 

The  immature  birds  are  usually  pale,  plumbeous  gray,  with  a 
brownish  wash  on  the  head  and  upper  neck;  feet,  pale  yellowish,  some- 
times pale  flesh  color  or  grayish. 

Length,  53;    wing,  21.50;    bill,  4;    tarsus,  4.20. 

This  species  is  not  uncommon  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin  during  the 
migrations,  being  more  often  observed  on  the  inland  waters  than  on 
Lake  Michigan.  It  grows  to  a  large  size,  a  weight  of  twenty-five 
pounds  being  not  uncommon,  and  the  flesh  of  the  immature  birds 
is  excellent.  Its  flight  is  very  rapid,  much  faster  than  the  Wild 
Goose  and  it  is  claimed  a  speed  of  one  hundred  miles  an  hour  is  not 
unusual.  WThen  flying  the  flocks  assume  a  V-shaped  form. 

Baird,  Brewer  and  Ridgway  state:  "The  age  of  this  swan  may  be 
known  by  the  color  of  the  feathers,  the  yearling  being  of  a  deep 
leaden  tint,  with  a  delicate  red  bill.  In  the  second  year  it  has  a 


356     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

lighter  color  and  a  white  bill.  In  the  third  season  the  bill  has  be- 
come jet  black  and  about  one- third  of  its  plumage  is  still  tipped 
with  gray;  and  until  it  is  fully  five  years  old  an  occasional  feather 
will  present  this  tint." 

74.     Olor  buccinator  (Ricn.). 
TRUMPETER  SWAN: 

Distr.:  Chiefly  interior  of  North  America.  In  early  days  it 
bred  commonly,  at  least  as  far  south  as  Dakota.  At  present  its 
nesting  range  appears  to  be  from  southern  British  Columbia  north- 
ward; winters  on  the  Gulf  coast  of  Louisiana  and  Texas  and  from 
western  British  Columbia  to  southern  California.  In  mild  winters 
a  few  may  remain  as  far  north  as  southern  Illinois. 

Adult:  General  plumage,  white;  bare  loral  skin  in  front  of  eye, 
not  yellow;  bill  and  feet,  black;  the  distance  from  the  front  angle  of  the 
eye  to  the  back  edge  of  the  nostril  is  equal  or  less  than  the  distance  from  the 
back  edge  of  the  nostril  to  the  end  of  the  bill. 

Immature  birds  are  ashy  gray,  often  tinged  with  brownish  on  th^ 
head  and  neck;  bill  and  feet,  dull  yellowish  brown,  tinged  with  olive. 

Length,  about  63;  wing,  21  to  26;  bill,  about  4.50. 

The  Trumpeter  Swan  occurs  sparingly  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin 
during  the  migrations.  It  is  fast  becoming  a  very  rare  bird,  at  least 
east  of  the  Mississippi. 


ORDER  HERODIONES, 

HERONS,   IBISES,  SPOONBILLS,  ETC. 
Suborder  I  BIDES.      Spoonbills  and  Ibises. 

Family    PLATALEID^E.      Spoonbills. 

A  peculiar  family  comprising  half  a  dozen  species  and  having  rep- 
resentatives in  both  the  Old  and  New  World.  They  resemble  Ibises 
in  habits  and  structure,  except  the  flattened  bill  curiously  paddle- 
shaped  or  spoon-shaped  at  the  end,  which  is  characteristic  and  from 
which  their  name  is  derived.  One  species  occurs  in  North  America. 

Genus   AJAIA   Reichenbach. 
75.     Ajaia    ajaia    (LINN.). 
ROSEATE  SPOONBILL. 

Ajaja  ajaja  (Linn.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  67. 

Distr.:  South  Atlantic  and  Gulf  states  southward  through  South 
America  to  Patagonia  and  Falkland  Islands. 

Adult:  Back  and  wings,  a  delicate  rose  .white;  under  parts  showing 
rose  color;  bare  skin  of  the  head,  greenish  and  yellow;  bill,  widened 
at  the  tip,  somewhat  spoon-shaped  but  flat,  tinted  with  greenish 
and  yellowish;  legs,  dull  red.  Very  old  birds  have  the  lesser  wing 
coverts  and  upper  tail  coverts  brilliant  carmine  red. 

The  immature  bird  has  general  plumage  pale  pinkish  white,  with 
no  red  on  the  lesser  wing  coverts. 

Length,  31;  wing,  15;  tarsus,  4.10;  bill,  6.30. 

Although  there  are  no  recent  records  of  the  occurrence  of  the 
Roseate  Spoonbill  in  Illinois,  it  was  apparently  not  uncommon  fifty 
years  ago  in  the  southern  part  of  the  state. 

Ridgway  states  he  was  informed  that  several  specimens  were 
killed  in  the  Mississippi  bottoms  near  St.  Louis,  about  1859.  Nelson 
states' that  it  "used  to  occur  in  the  bottoms  opposite  St.  Louis." 
"It  has  been  recorded  in  early  days  in  Indiana."  (Butler.)  In  A.  C. 
Barry's  list  (Wisconsin,  1854)  he  states  that  it  was  "found  along  the 
Mississippi  within  the  bounds  of  our  state  and  occasionally  about 

357 


358     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


•-. 


Roseate  Spoonbill. 


our  small  lakes  in  the  interior."  Kumlien  and  Hollister  (Birds 
of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  32)  state:  "The  sole,  actual  and  positively 
authentic  record,  however,  entitling  the  Spoonbill  to  a  place  in  the 
present  list  is  from  the  fragments,  head,  wing,  and  leg  of  a  specimen 
procured  by  Indians  at  Indian  Ford  on  Rock  River,  near  Janesville, 
in  August,  1845,  and  preserved  by  Thure  Kumlien.  These  remains 
are  still  extant  in  the  Kumlien  collection." 


Family    IBIDID^.      Ibises. 

Ibises  are  restricted  to  the  warmer  parts  of  the  world.  Of  the  30 
or  more  known  species,  three  occur  in  North  America.  They  are  gre- 
garious, usually  being  found  in  colonies.  They  frequent  the  salt 
water  marshes  and  lagoons  as  well  as  inland  swamps,  rivers,  and 
ponds,  being  rarely  found  away  from  the  vicinity  of  water.  Their 
food  consists  of  fish,  frogs,  lizards,  and  small  crustaceans.  They 
nest  both  in  trees  and  marshes. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  359 

Genus  GUARA  Reich. 

76.     Guara  alba  (LINN.). 
WHITE  IBIS. 

Distr.:    South  Atlantic  Gulf  states  and  West  Indies,  Lower  Cali- 
fornia and  southward  to  northern  South  America. 


Immature.  White  Ibis.  Male. 

Adult:  General  plumage,  white;  the  four  outer  primaries,  black; 
bare  skin  at  base  of  bill,  orange  red  in  life. 

Immature:  Head  and  neck,  dull  white,  or  brownish  white,  streaked 
with  grayish  brown;  wings  and  back,  grayish  brown;  rump,  white; 
under  parts,  white. 

Length,  about  25;  wing,  10.50  to  11.50;  tarsus,  3.50;  bill,  5  to  7. 

Casual  or  rare  in  summer  in  the  extreme  southern  portion  of  Illi- 
nois. Mr.  Ridgway  states  (Orn.  of  Illinois,  1895,  p.  109)  that  while 
in  company  with  Mr.  William  Brewster,  he  observed  a  flock  of  seven 
or  eight  examples  flying  along  the  Wabash  River  near  Mt.  Carmel 
in  May,  1878.  It  has  not  been  observed  in  Wisconsin. 


360     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Genus  PLEGADIS  Kaup. 
77.     Plegadis  autumnalis  (HASSELQ.).     . 

GLOSSY  IBIS. 

Distr.:  Warmer  portions  of  eastern  hemisphere.  In  America 
found  casually  in  southeastern  United  States  and  the  West  Indies. 
Stragglers  have  been  taken  as  far  north  as  New  England,  Illinois, 
and  Wisconsin. 

Adult:  General  plumage,  chestnut;  wing  coverts,  back  and  front  of 
head  showing  greenish  and  sometimes  bronzy  reflections. 

The  immature  birds  have  the  plumage  more  brownish  and  the  front 
of  the  head  slightly  mottled;  the  back,  greenish;  under  parts,  dusky 
brown. 

Length,  25;    wing,  11.25;    bill,  5.40. 

Mr.  Julius  Hurter  (Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  1881,  p.  124)  records 
an  immature  specimen  taken  in  Marion  Co.,  111.,  near  St.  Louis,  in 
February,  1880,  which  was  identified  by  Prof.  Ridgway  as  this  species, 
but  later  Mr.  Ridgway  (Ornithology  of  111.,  1895,  p.  112)  suggests 
the  possibility  of  its  being  an  immature  specimen  of  guarauna  on 
account  of  the  coloring  of  the  legs  and  bare  skin  in  front  of  the  eye 
in  life,  as  described  to  him  in  a  letter  from  Mr.  Hurter.  Nelson 
writes:  "  A  very  rare  visitant.  I  know  of  but  two  or  three  instances 
of  its  occurrence."  In  Wisconsin,  according  to  Kumlien  and  Hoi- 
lister,  seven  specimens  have  been  observed  and  one  shot  on  Lake 
Koshkonong  in  1872,  and  another  was  killed  on  Horicon  Marsh,  in 
1879.  It  has  also  been  recorded  from  Michigan  (Cook),  and  Iowa 
(Anderson). 


Suborder  CICONI^E.     Storks. 

Family    CICONIIDv^.       Storks    and     Wood 

Ibises. 

Two  species  of  this  family  occur  in  North  America  and  one  of 
these,  the  Wood  Ibis,  has  been  taken  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin.  They 
are  gregarious,  nesting  in  colonies  usually  (but  not  always )  in  high 
trees.  They  frequent  heavily  timbered  swamps,  wooded  rivers,  and 
lagoons 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


361 


Subfamily   MYCTERIIN^E.     Wood   Ibises. 

Genus    MYCTERIA    Linn. 
78.     Mycteria  americana  LINN. 

WOOD  IBIS. 

Tantalus  loculator  Linn.,  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  69. 
Distr.:    Southern  United  States,  California  to  the  Carolinas  and 
southward,    Middle   America  to  the   Argentine   Republic;     common 
in  Florida  and  some  of  the  Gulf  states;   casual  north  to  Pennsylvania, 
New  York,  and  Illinois;   accidental  in  Wisconsin. 


Adult:  Head  and  neck,  bare  (bluish  in  life,  black  in  dried  skins); 
bill,  brownish  yellow;  legs,  bluish;  toes,  black,  the  webs,  yellowish; 
general  plumage,  white;  primaries,  primary  coverts  and  tail,  black. 


362     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Young  birds  have  the  head  and  neck  covered  with  downy  feathers 
and  the  general  plumage,  dark  gray;  wings  and  tail,  blackish;  sexes 
similar. 

Length,  about  48  inches;  wing,  about  18;  bill,  about  8.50;  tar- 
sus, 8. 

The  Wood  Ibis  is  apparently  not  uncommon  in  late  summer  in 
southern  Illinois,  where  it  was  frequently  observed  by  Prof.  Ridgway, 
near  Mt.  Carmel,  and  Mr.  J.  Hurter  (Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  1881,  p. 
124)  found  it  numerous  in  August,  1888,  in  Madison  Co.,  111.,  near 
St.  Louis.  Dr.  Hoy  (1853)  records  a  specimen  in  the  Museum  of  the 
Wisconsin  State  Historical  Society  at  Madison,  which  was  shot  near 
Milwaukee,  in  September,  1852.  Kumlien  and  Hollister  consider  it  a 
very  rare  midsummer  straggler  in  Wisconsin  and  say  that  in  a  letter 
to  L.  Kumlien,  Dr.  Hoy  stated  he  had  procured  a  specimen  at  Racine 
in  September,  1868.  They  also  record  a  third  specimen  killed  on 
Rock  River  between  Janesville  and  Edgerton.  (Birds  of  Wisconsin, 
1903,  p.  33.) 


Suborder   HERODII.      Herons,  Egrets,   Bitterns,  etc. 

Family    ARDEID^.       Herons    and    Bitterns. 

About  70  known  species  belong  to  this  family  distributed  through- 
out'the  world.     Many  of  the  true  herons  are  gregarious,  while  others 


Great  Blue  Heron.  Least  Bittern. 


American  Bittern. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  363 

are  only  occasionally  so,  if  at  all.  When  undisturbed  they  usually 
nest  in  colonies  or  "rookeries,"  as  their  breeding  places  are  some- 
times called,  three  or  four  species  often  occupying  the  same  tree. 

The  Bitterns  are  not  gregarious  in  the  true  sense  of  the  word, 
although  during  the  breeding  season  numbers  of  nests  of  the  smaller 
species  may  often  be  found  in  close  proximity  to  each  other.  The 
American  Bittern  is  more  solitary  in  its  habits.  When  feeding  they 
frequent  the  shores  of  rivers  and  ponds  as  well  as  marshes  and 
lagoons.  The  food  consists  largely  of  fish,  frogs,  and  small  reptiles, 
which  they  catch  with  great  dexterity. 


Subfamily   BOTAURIN^E.      Bitterns. 

Genus  BOTAURUS  Stephens. 
79.     Botaurus  lentiginosus  (MONTAG.). 
AMERICAN  BITTERN. 

Local  names:  Stake-driver.     Thunder-pump. 

Distr.:  Temperate  North  America,  south  to  Guatemala,  Cuba, 
and  Jamaica. 

Adult:  Upper  parts,  brown;  wing  coverts,  edged  and  mottled 
with  tawny  and  buff  and  washed  with  ashy;  top  of  the  head  and  nape, 
slaty,  with  black  streak  on  sides  of  the  upper  neck;  neck  and  under 
parts,  tawny  white;  feathers,  edged  with  dusky  and  dull  brown;  legs, 
greenish  yellow;  a  loral  stripe  of  dark  brown;  bill,  yellowish,  with  a 
dark  streak  at  the  top. 

Length,  27;  wing,  11.50;  bill,  3;  tarsus,  3.40. 

The  female  is  smaller  than  the  male  and  the  bird  varies  in  size. 

A  common  summer  resident  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin  and  breeds 
in  suitable  localities,  building  its  nest  in  marshes.  The  nest  is  a 
mass  of  grass,  loosely  put  together.  The  eggs  are  4  or  5,  pale  olive 
buff  color,  and  measure  about  1.95  x  1.45  inches. 

The  peculiar  "booming"  notes  made  by  this  species,  on  account 
of  which  it  has  acquired  such  local  names  as  Stake-driven,  Thunder- 
pump,  etc.,  are  admirably  described  by  Mr.  Bradford  Torrey.  (The 
Auk,  1889,  p.  i.)  In  the  same  article  he  prints  an  interesting  letter 
from  Mr.  William  Brewster,  from  which  I  quote  the  following:  "The 
bird  was  well  out  in  the  open  meadow  among  short,  green  grass,  grow- 
ing in  perhaps  two  inches  of  surface  water.  I  got  within  less  than 
thirty  yards  of  him  before  he  took  alarm  and  crouched.  Previous 
to  this  he  favored  me  with  several  performances  in  plain  sight. 


364     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

He  would  extend  his  neck,  then  drawing  in  his  head  suddenly,  would 
throw  it  out  with  a  jerk  as  if  he  were  affected  with  violent  nausea 
or  were  trying  to  get  rid  of  some  obstruction  in  his  throat,  at  the  same 
time  uttering  the  peculiar  pump-er-lunk.  After  repeating  the  move- 
ment and  its  accompanying  vocal  notes  several  times  in  rather  quick 
succession,  he  would  stand  nearly  erect  for.,  a  few  moments  before 
beginning  again.  As  he  stood  with  his  back  partly  towards  me,  I 
could  not  see  his  breast  or  throat  distinctly,  but  I  am  sure  he  did  not 
fill  the  latter  with  water  while  I  was  watching  him,  for  not  once  did 
his  bill  descend  low  enough  to  get  even  a  hurried  sip." 

The  writer  has  on  one  occasion  had  the  pleasure  of  observing 
this  interesting  performance,  and  can  add  his  testimony  to  the  effect 
that  the  bird  in  question  did  not  at  any  time  lower  his  bill  below  the 
level  of  the  body,  certainly  not  low  enough  to  reach  the  water,  which 
at  that  place,  upon  later  investigation,  proved  to  be  about  two  inches 
deep. 

I 
Genus  IXOBRYCHUS  Billberg. 

80.     Ixobrychus  exilis  (GMEL.). 
LEAST  BITTERN. 

Ardetta  exilis  (Gmel.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  P-  7°- 

Distr.:  Temperate  North  America,  from  British  Provinces  south 
to  West  Indies  and  South  America;  less  common  on  the  Pacific 
coast. 

Adult  male:  Crown  of  the  head,  black,  extending  into  a  small  crest; 
back  and  tail,  black,  with  a  greenish  tinge  back  of  the  neck;  wing 
coverts,  chestnut  brown;  some  of  the -wing  coverts,  tawny  yellow; 
front  and  sides  of  the  neck  and  under  parts,  yellowish  brown,  showing 
white  on  throat;  a  patch  of  brownish  black  on  the  sides  of  the  breast; 
bill,  yellowish,  dusky  on  the  top;  legs,  green,  yellow  on  the  back; 
toes,  yellow. 

Adult  female:  Having  the  back  and  crown  purplish  chestnut 
instead  of  black. 

Length,  12.50;  wing,  4.50;  bill,  2;   tarsus,  2.10. 

The  Least  Bittern  is  a  common  summer  resident  in  Illinois  and 
Wisconsin,  breeding  throughout  both  states  in  suitable  localities. 
The  nest  is  usually  built  in  rushes  and  reeds  in  ponds  or  marshy 
places,  rarely  in  bushes.  The  eggs  are  bluish  white,  from  4  to  7  in 
number,  and  measure  1.20  x  .95  inches.  The  Field  Museum  possesses 
several  sets  of  eggs  of  this  species  taken  in  the  vicinity  of  Calumet 
Lake,  Chicago,  between  June  i5th  and  June  29th. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  — CORY. 


365 


Least  Bittern. 


81.     Ixobrychus  neoxenus  (CORY). 

CORY'S  LEAST  BITTERN.* 

Ardetta  neoxena  Cory,  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  P-  7°- 
The  type  of  this  species  was  taken  in  the  marshes  southwest  of 

*  When  I  described  this  bird  in  1886,  I  gave  it  no  English  name,  simply  calling  it  neoxena 
(new  and  strange).  The  committee  of  the  American  Ornithologists'  Union  have  since  honored  me 
by  giving  it  my  name. 


366     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Lake  Okeechobee,  in  1886,  and  since  then  half  a  dozen  specimens 
have  been  killed  in  that  locality  and  several  in  Canada,  Michigan, 
and  elsewhere,  including  two  in  Wisconsin.  It  has  not  as  yet  been 
observed  in  Illinois. 

Adult:  Top  of  the  head,  back,  and  tail,  dark  greenish  black,  show- 
ing a  green  gloss  when  held  in  the  light.  Sides  of  the  head  and  throat, 
rufous  chestnut,  the  feathers  on  the  back  of  the  neck  showing  greenish 
black  tips;  breast  and  under  parts,  nearly  uniform  chestnut,  shading 
into  dull  black  on  the  sides;  wing  coverts,  dark  rufous  chestnut;  all 
the  remiges,  entirely  slaty  plumbeous;  under  tail  coverts,  dull  black. 

Wing,  4.30;    tarsus,  1.40;    bill,  1.80. 

An  adult  male  was  killed  at  Lake  Koshkonong,  Wisconsin,  May 
22,  1893,  by  C.  E.  Akeley.  (No.  2041,  Field  Museum  of  Natural  His- 
tory. )  What  is  supposed  to  have  been  a  bird  of  this  species  is  given 
by  Kumlien  and  Hollister  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  34)  who  write: 
"  In  June,  1845,  Thure  Kumlien  found  some  Indian  children  playing 
with  a  small  headless  heron,  using  it  as  a  target  for  bow  and  arrow 
practice.  This  was  on  an  Indian  encampment  on  Black  Hawk 
Island,  Lake  Koshkonong.  The  bird  was  new  to  him  and  he  secured 
it  and  later  sent  a  color  sketch  to  Dr.  T.  M.  Brewer.  Brewer  pro- 
nounced it  some  southern  species  or  a  different  plumage  of  the  Least 
Bittern.  A  copy,  or  in  fact  the  original  sketch,  is  still  in  our  posses- 
sion and  it  plainly  shows  the  specimen  to  have  been  a  typical 
A  r delta  neoxena." 


Subfamily   ARDEIN^.      Herons  and  Egrets. 
Genus  ARDEA  Linn. 

82.     Ardea  herodias  LINN. 
GREAT  BLUE  HERON. 

Distr.:  North  America,  from  the  Arctic  regions  south  to  the  West 
Indies  and  northern  South  America;  also  recorded  from  Bermuda 
and  the  Galapagos  Islands. 

Adult:  Crest,  lengthened;  bill,  yellow,  dark  brown  on  top;  legs 
and  feet,  dark  brown;  soles  of  the  feet,  yellow;  a  streak  from  the 
forehead  to  the  middle  of  the  crown,  white;  sides  of  the  crown  and 
crest  feathers,  black;  neck,  grayish  purple  mixed  with  black  and  white  ; 
chin  and  part  of  the  cheeks,  whitish,  extending  in  a  tawny  line  on  the 
throat;  neck  plumes;  belly,  black,  streaked  with  white;  back  and 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


367 


Great  Blue  Heron. 

upper  parts,  bluish  slate  or  gray.  The  immature  birds  show  a  great 
variety  of  color  in  the  plumage. 

Length,  48;   wing,  20;   tail,  7;   tarsus,  6.50;   bill,  5.50. 

The  Great  Blue  Heron  is  a  common  summer  resident  in  Illinois 
and  Wisconsin,  breeding  throughout  both  states.  It  usually  arrives 
from  the  south  in  March  or  early  in  April.  It  breeds  in  May.  The 
nest  is  a  mass  of  sticks,  usually  in  large  trees.  The  eggs  are  three  or 
four,  pale  blue  in  color,  and  measure  about  2.50  x  1.50  inches. 


Genus   HEROD1AS  Boie. 

83.     Herodias  egretta  (GMEL.). 

AMERICAN  EGRET. 

Ardea  egretta  Gmel.,  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  71. 

Distr.:  Temperate  and  tropical  America,  from  New  Jersey,  Illi- 
nois, and  Oregon  south  to  Patagonia;  accidental  as  far  north  as 
Minnesota  and  Nova  Scotia. 

Adult:  Entire  plumage,  white,  having  in  the  breeding  season  long 
graceful  plumes  on  the  back,  which  extend  beyond  the  tail;  bill, 
yellow;  legs  and  feet,  black;  lores,  pale  orange,  edged  with  greenish. 

Length,  38;  wing,  16;  tarsus,  5.80;  bill,  4.80. 

The  American  Egret  was  at  one  time  a  common  summer  resident 
in  Illinois  and  not  uncommon  in  Wisconsin,  but  it  is  now  rare. 

~"  A  rather  common  summer  visitant  throughout  northern  Illinois. 
*****  Breeds  in  southern  Illinois  and  perhaps  in  other  parts  of 


368     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

the  state."  (Nelson,  Birds  of  N.  E.  Illinois,  1876,  p.  131.)  "Twenty- 
five  to  fifty  years  ago  the  egret  was  a  common  bird  on  the  larger 
marshes  and  swamps  bordering  the  inland  lakes  and  rivers.  *  *  *  * 
*  *  A  few  single  birds  or  small  flocks  rarely  visit  Delavan  Lake  during 
early  fall.  ******  Young  unable  to  fly  were  taken  from  a  colony 
in  a  tamarack  swamp  near  Jefferson  in  July, '1863.  It  was  found 
breeding  with  a  large  colony  of  great  blue  herons  to  the  westward  of 
Two  Rivers  in  June,  1880.  Also  reported  as  nesting  near  Waukesha 
in  1866."  (Kumlien  and  Hollister,  Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  35.) 


Genus  EGRETTA  Forst. 
84.     Egretta  candidissima  (GMEL.). 
SNOWY  HERON. 

Ardea  candidissima  Gmel.,  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  72. 

Distr.:  Temperate  and  tropical  North  America,  from  Long  Island 
and  Oregon  south  to  Argentine  Republic  and  Chili.  Formerly  abun- 
dant in  parts  of  the  Gulf  coast  and  Florida;  accidental  as  far  north 
as  Nova  Scotia  and  southern  British  Columbia. 

Adult:  Entire  plumage,  pure  white,  having  in  the  breeding  season 
extended  plumes  on  the  back  and  also  feathers  on  the  crest  lengthened ; 


Snowy  Heron. 


bill,  black,  becoming  yellowish  at  the  base;  lores,  yellow;  legs,  black 
feet,  yellow. 

Length,  22;   wing,  n;   tarsus,  3.50;   bill,  3. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  369 

The  Snowy  Heron  is  of  accidental  occurrence  in  Illinois  and  Wis- 
consin, although  at  one  time  it  was  apparently  not  uncommon  in 
southern  Illinois.  The  species  is  now  raie,  having  been  nearly  exter- 
minated in  the  southern  states. 

Nelson  states  that  it  was  much  less  common  in  Illinois  than 
egretta  and  occurred  about  the  same  time  (late  summer).  Kumlien 
and  Hollister  say :  "A  rare  and  irregular  visitor  from  the  south  during 
August  and  September.  *****  in  August,  1886,  Mr.  H.  L. 
Skavlem  shot  six  of  these  birds  from  a  flock  of  egrets  also  on  Lake 
Koshkonong.  This  is  the  last  authentic  record  of  any  numbers  that 
we  know  of.  Of  late  years  very  rare."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903, 
P-  35-) 

Genus  DICHROiMANASSA  Ridgw. 
85.     Dichromanassa  rufescens  (GMEL.). 

REDDISH  EGRET. 

Ardea  rufescens  Gmel.,  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  72. 

Distr.:  Ranges  from  the  Gulf  states,  north  to  southern  Illinois, 
west  to  Lower  California,  south  to  Mexico  (both  coasts)  and  Guate- 
mala, also  Cuba,  Jamaica,  and  the  Bahama  Islands. 

Adult  in  colored  phase:  Head  and  neck,  lilac  brown;  rest  of  plu- 
mage, dark  slate  color.  This  species  has  the  long  plumes  extending 
from  the  scapular  region  of  the  back  during  the  breeding  season;  legs 
and  feet,  bluish,  showing  dusky  on  the  scales  of  the  tarsus;  bill,  black 
on  the  terminal  third,  the  balance,  flesh  color;  lores,  flesh  color. 

White  phase:  Entire  plumage,  white;  bill,  black  on  the  terminal 
third;  balance,  flesh  color;  legs,  greenish. 

Length,  29;    wing,  14;    tail,  4;    tarsus, 5. 30;    bill,  3.90. 

At  one  time  the  white  and  colored  birds  of  this  species  were  con- 
sidered distinct,  but  in  June,  1879,  while  in  the  Bahama  Islands,  the 
writer  took  both  white  and  gray,  young  birds  from  the  same  nest. 

This  southern  species  was  given  by  Nelson  as:  "Quite  common  in 
the  vicinity  of  Cairo  during  the  last  week  in  August,  1875."  (Bull. 
Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  1876,  p.  40.)  It  has  not  been  observed  in  northern 
Illinois  or  Wisconsin  and  there  is  apparently  no  record  of  'its  occur- 
rence in  Illinois  since  that  given  by  Mr.  Nelson. 


370     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Genus  FLORIDA   Baird. 

86.     Florida  caerulea  (LINN.). 

LITTLE  BLUE  HERON. 

Ardea  ccerulea  Linn.,  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  73. 

Distr.:  Eastern  United  States,  from  New  Jersey,  Illinois,  and  Kan- 
sas, southward  through  Mexico  and  Central  America  to  northern 
South  America,  also  West  Indies;  accidental  as  far  north  as  Maine 
and  Wisconsin. 

Adult:  Head  and  neck,  purplish  red  or  maroon,  rest  of  plumage, 
grayish  blue;  bill,  black  at  the  end;  basal  portion  and  loral  space, 
blue;  legs  and  feet,  black. 


Little  Blue  Heron. 

Immature  birds  are  pure  white,  except  a  faint  wash  of  grayish 
blue  near  the  tips  of  the  primaries;  legs,  olive  or  yellowish,  and  the 
basal  half  of  the  bill,  greenish. 

Young  birds  of  this  species  are  sometimes  confounded  with  the 
Snowy  Egret,  but  may  easily  be  distinguished  from  that  species  by 
the  slight  wash  of  blue  on  the  ends  of  the  primaries  and  by  the  color 
of  the  legs  and  bill. 

Length,  about  23;  wing,  n;  tarsus,  3.60. 

The  Little  Blue  Heron  is  not  uncommon  in  late  summer  in  southern 
Illinois.  Accidental  stragglers  have  also  been  taken  in  Wisconsin. 
"A  common  bird  during  the  latter  part  of  summer,  particularly  dur- 
ing August,  when  (in  1875)  Mr.  E.  W.  Nelson  found  it  exceedingly 
abundant  near  Cairo.  Considerable  numbers  make  their  appearance 
along  the  Wabash  River,  at  least  as  far  north  as  Mt.  Carmel  and 
doubtless  it  occurs  generally  throughout  the  state."  (Ridgway, 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  371 

Orn.  Illinois,  1895,  p.  130.)  "  Rare  accidental  straggler.  A  single 
individual  was  shot  on  Root  River,  Racine  Co.  (Wisconsin),  August 
28,  1848,  by  Dr.  P.  R.  Hoy.  A  single  wing  of  a  decomposed  specimen 
was  preserved  by  Thure  Kumlien.  This  was  found  on  the  shores  of 
Lake  Koshkonong  in  the  early  fifties."  (Kumlien  and  Hollister, 
Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  35.) 


Genus  BUTORIDES   Blyth. 

87.     Butorides  virescens  (LINN.). 

GREEN  HERON. 

Ardea  virescens  Linn.,  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  73. 

Distr.:  Temperate  North  America,  from  Ontario  and  Oregon 
south  to  the  West  Indies,  Middle  America,  and  northern  South  Amer- 
ica. In  the  United  States,  breeding  throughout  the  greater  part  of 
its  range. 


Green   Heron. 

Adult:  Feathers  on  top  of  the  head  extending  in  a  small  crest,  dark 
green;  neck,  chestnut;  throat,  marked  heavily  with  white;  under 
parts,  pale  purplish  or  ashy,  marked  with  white;  back,  greenish,  show- 
ing tinge  of  slate  color;  wing  coverts,  green,  feathers  edged  with  buffy 
white;  bend  of  wing,  whitish;  tail,  greenish,  upper  mandible,  black; 
lower  mandible,  mostly  yellow,  dark  on  the  top;  legs,  yellowish  green. 


372     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Length,  16  inches;   wing,  6.50;   tail,  2.40;   tarsus,  1.85;   bill,  2.30. 

The  Green  Heron  is  a  common  summer  resident  in  Illinois  and  Wis- 
consin and  breeds  throughout  both  states  in  suitable  localities. 
Nidification  commences  in  May.  The  nest  is  a  mass  of  small  twigs 
placed  in  a  bush  or  low  tree  near  water.  '  The  eggs  are  4  to  6,  pale 
blue  or  greenish  blue,  and  measure  1.50  x  .1.15  inches.  An  admirable 
article  on  the  breeding  of  this  species  in  Wisconsin  is  given  by  Mrs. 
Irene  G.  Wheelock  in  The  Auk,  Vol.  XXIII,  1906,  p.  432,  to  which 
those  interested  are  referred. 


Genus  NYCTICORAX  Forster. 

88.     Nycticorax  nycticorax  naevius  (Boon.). 

BLACK-CROWNED  NIGHT  HERON. 

Local  name:  Quawk. 

Distr.:  Whole  of  America,  from  Ontario  and  Manitoba  south  to 
the  West  Indies  and  South  America  to  the  Falkland  Islands. 

.Adult':  Crown,  head,  back,  and  scapulars,  greenish  black;  fore- 
head, lores,  most  of  the  neck  and  under  parts,  white  or  ashy  white; 
wings  and  tail,  gray;  legs  and  feet,  yellow;  two  or  three  very  long 
occipital  plumes,  white  in  the  breeding  season. 


Adult. 


Black-crowned  Night  Heron. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  373 

Length,  24  to  26;  wing,  n;  tarsus,  3.10  to  3.40;  tail,  4.20  to  5.30. 

The  immature  bird  has  the  general  plumage  mottled  dark  brown 
and  gray,  the  feathers  marked  and  streaked  with  pointed  blotches  of 
grayish  or  buff;  outer  web  of  primaries,  buff  color;  under  parts, 
streaked  with  black  and  white. 

A  common  summer  resident  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  breeding  in 
colonies,  usually  in  trees  but  at  times  in  swampy  places  among  reeds. 
Nelson  states  he  found  them  nesting  in  a  dense  growth  of  wild  rice. 
The  eggs  are  4  or  5,  sometimes  6  in  number,  pale  blue,  and  measure 
about  2  x  1.45  inches.  It  arrives  from  the  south  late  in  April  and 
the  eggs  are  laid  in  May  and  early  in  June. 


Genus  NYCTANASSA  Stejneger. 
89.  Nyctanassa  violacea  (LINN.). 
YELLOW-CROWNED  NIGHT  HERON. 

Nycticorax  violaceus  (Linn.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  P-  74- 

Distr.:  Tropical  and  subtropical  America,  from  the  Carolinas, 
southern  Illinois,  the  lower  Ohio  Valley,  and  Lower  California  south 
to  Brazil;  accidental  or  casual  north  to  Massachusetts  and  Colorado. 

Adult:  Top  of  the  head,  whitish  buff,  extending  into  a  crest; 
sides  of  the  head,  black;  throat,  black;  breast  and  under  parts,  grayish 
plumbeous;  back,  plumbeous;  two  or  three  very  long  feathers  extend- 
ing as  long  plumes  from  the  crest;  legs,  greenish. 

Length,  about  23;  wing,  13.20;  tail,  4;  tarsus,  3.70;  bill,  2.60. 

Immature  birds  have  the  crown  dusky,  streaked  with  white  or 
buffy  white,  the  rest  of  the  plumage  heavily  mottled,  blotched  with 
pointed  marks  of  brown;  also  marked  with  buff  and  dull  white;  pri- 
maries, slate  color,  showing  no  rufous.  The  immature  birds  of  this 
species  somewhat  resemble  those  of  the  Black-crowned  Night  Heron, 
but  differ  from  it,  having  the  head  darker  and  no  rufous  On  the  pri- 
maries. 

The  Yellow-crowned  Night  Heron  seems  to  be  of  regular  occur- 
rence in  southern  Illinois,  where  it  is  claimed  to  breed.  The  nest  is 
a  mass  of  sticks  usually  in  a  tree  near  water.  The  eggs  are  4  or  5, 
pale  blue  in  color,  and  measure  about  1.95  x  1.40  inches.  As  far  as 
known  it  has  not  been  observed  as  far  north  as  Wisconsin. 

Ridgway  states  (Ornithology  of  Illinois,  p.  136):  "The  Yellow- 
crowned  Night  Heron  occurs  during  summer  throughout  at  least  the 
southern  third  of  Illinois,  though  of  course  only  in  such  localities  as 
are  suited  to  it.  These  consist  of  timbered  swamps,  where  the  princi- 


374     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

pal  food  of  the  species,  consisting  of  crawfish,  frogs,  and  the  smaller 
reptiles,  is  to  be  found  in  abundance.  It  first  became  known  to  the 
writer  as  an  Illinois  bird  through  Mr.  Samuel  Turner  of  Mt.  Carmel, 
who  obtained  specimens  of  the  bird  and  its  eggs  in  the  coffee  flats  a 
few  miles  south  of  that  place."  According  to  Nelson  it  breeds  at 
least  as  far  north  as  Wabash  County,  Illinois."  (Birds  of  N.  E. 
Illinois,  1876,  p.  151.) 


Yellow-crowned  Night   Heron  (adult). 


ORDER  PALUDICOL^:. 

CRANES,   RAILS,   ETC. 
Suborder  GRLJES.      Cranes. 

Family    GRUID&.      Cranes. 

Three  species  of  Cranes  (not  Herons,  which  are  sometimes  wrongly 
called  by  that  name )  occur  in  North  America.  During  the  migrations 
they  are  more  or  less  gregarious,  but  at  other  times  are  usually  found 


Whooping  Crane. 


375 


376     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

in  pairs.'  They  frequent  both  plains  and  marshes,  but  are  more  com- 
monly found  in  the.  open  woods  and  prairies.  Their  food  consists 
of  small  animals,  such  as  lizards,  frogs,  mice,  and  snakes,  as  well  as 
seeds  and  grain.  The  loud  note  of  the  Sandhill  Crane  is  peculiar, 
somewhat  resembling  the  sounds  made  by  a  block  when  hoisting  a 
sail.  The  nest  is  large,  built  on  the  ground.  The  eggs  are  two  in 
number. 

Genus   GRUS  Pallas. 
90.     Grus  americana  (LINN.). 
WHOOPING  CRANE. 

Distr.:  Interior  of  North  America,  from  the  Fur  Countries  to 
Florida,  Texas,  and  Mexico  and  from  the  Mississippi  Valley  to 
Colorado.  Apparently  no  longer  found  on  the  Atlantic  coast, 
except  possibly  in  Florida,  where  it  has  become  very  rare. 

Adult:  Bare  part  of  the  head,  hairy;  plumage,  white;  primaries, 
black;  bill,  greenish;  legs,  black;  bare  skin  on  the  head,  carmine  red. 
The  immature  birds  have  the  head  feathered  and  the  general  plumage 
tinged  with  pale  tawny. 

Length,  52;   wing,  23.50;   tail,  8.40;   bill,  6.10;   tarsus,  12. 

The  Whooping  Crane  was  formerly  an  abundant  species  in  Illinois 
and  Wisconsin,  but  is  now  rare.  Even  in  1876,  according,  to  Nelson, 
it  was  no  longer  common.  He  writes:  "  Once  an  abundant  migrant, 
but  is  now  of  rare  occurrence  in  this  vicinity.  Along  the  Illinois 
River  and  more  thinly  settled  portions  of  the  state,  it  is  still  common 
during  the  migrations  and  a  few  pairs  breed  upon  the  large  marshes 
in  Central  Illinois."  (Birds  N.  E.  Illinois,  1876,  p.  133.)  In  Wis- 
consin, Kumlien  and  Hollister  consider  it  a  rare  bird  at  the  present 
time.  They  say:  "Formerly  of  regular  occurrence  in  the  southern 
and  western  part  of  the  state  during  migrations,  unquestionably 
breeding  to  some  extent.  Thirty  or  forty  years  ago  it  was  not  rare 
to  see  a  few  among  the  enormous  flocks  of  Sand  Hill  Cranes  during  the 
October  migrations,  and  even  flocks  composed  entirely  of  this  species. 
Of  late  years  adults  are  exceedingly  rare  and.  the  last  record  we  have 
of  a  Wisconsin  capture  was  in  October,  1878,  when  a  fine  old  bird  was 
shot  in  Green  Co.,  and  sent  to  Thure  Kumlien.  ******  Among 
the  flights  of  the  common  crane  that  often  remain  upon  the  larger 
dry  marshes  for  two  weeks  or  more  in  October,  there  are  noticed  a 
few  large  'yellowish'  specimens  that  are  presumably  the  young  of 
the  year  of  the  Whooping  Crane,  but  they  are  so  shy  that  approach 
is  practically  impossible."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  36. ) 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  377 

91.  Grus  canadensis  (LINN.)- 
LITTLE  BROWN  CRANE. 

Distr.:  Arctic  and  subarctic  America,  breeding  from  the  Fur 
Countries  northward;  south  in  winter  into  western  United  States. 

Adult:  Resembles  the  next  species,  but  may  be  recognized  by 
its  small  size,  the  wing  (carpus  to  tip)  being  less  than  19  inches, 
and  the  bill  less  than  4  inches. 

While  there  is  no  record  of  the  occurrence  of  this  species  in  Illinois, 
it  has  twice  been  taken  in  Wisconsin.  Kumlien  and  Hollister  state 
(Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  37):  "Rare  straggler  during  spring  and 
late  fall.  During  the  latter  part  of  March  and  the  first  part  of  April, 
1894,  a  lone  crane  kept  with  a  flock  of  Canada  Geese  on  Rock  Prairie, 
near  Johnstown,  Rock  County,  for  some  days,  and  appeared  to  act  as 
chief  sentinel  while  the  geese  fed  in  the  fields,  always  flying  away  with 
the  geese  when  alarmed.  This  bird  was  killed  on  April  4,  (1904)  by 
L.  Kumlien  and  proved  to  be  a  fine,  plumaged  male  of  this  species  — 
and  very  small.  It  is  now  preserved  in  the  Museum  of  the  White- 
water Normal  School.  At  least  one  other  that  we  are  positive  of  was 
shot  in  Dane  Co.,  late  in  the  fall  of  1879,  and  came  into  the  possession 
of  Thure  Kumlien,  frozen  stiff.  This  specimen  was  formerly  in  the 
Museum  of  Albion  Academy." 

92.  Grus  mexicana  (MULL.). 
SANDHILL  CRANE. 

Distr.:  Southern  half  of  North  America;  now  rare  on  the  Atlantic 
coast,  except  in  Georgia  and  Florida.  Occurs  in  Wisconsin  and 
Illinois  during  the  migrations  but  much  less  common  than  formerly. 

Adult:  Front  of  head,  bare,  the  skin,  red;  general  plumage,  brown- 
ish gray,  showing  more  or  less  buff y  gray  on  the  back.  The  sexes 
are  similar. 

Immature  birds  have  the  head  feathered  and  general  plumage, 
buff  gray. 

Length,  40  to  47;  wing,  21  to  24;  bill,  5  to  6;  tarsus,  9  tp  10. 

Its  large  size  will  distinguish  it  from  the  Little  Brown  Crane  which 
it  resembles  in  color,  the  wing  (carpal  joint  to  tip)  being  always  more 
than  19  inches  and  the  bill  over  4.50  inches. 

Ridgway  states  (Orn.  of  Illinois,  1895,  p.  100):  "Sandhill  Cranes 
usually  arrive  in  Illinois  on  their  way  northward  during  the  latter 
half  of  March,  and  return  in  October  or  November.  Formerly  large 
numbers  remained  within  the  state  to  breed,  but  so  thickly  has  the 


378     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Sandhill  Crane. 

country  become  settled  that  those  which  now  do  so  are  very  few 
indeed,  at  least  in  comparison  with  former  years.  As  long  ago  as 
1876  Mr.  Nelson  stated  that  while  formerly  nesting  abundantly  on  all 
the  large  marshes,  but  few  then  bred  except  on  one  or  two  large 
marshes  in  the  central  part  of  the  state,  where  he  was  informed 
they  were  still  quite  numerous.  Just  where  the  large  marshes  in 
question  are  located,  Mr.  Nelson  has  not  told  us."  Regarding  its 
occurrence  in  Wisconsin,  Kumlien  and  Hollister  say:  "Although  at 
the  present  time  entirely  absent  from  most  thickly  settled  portions 
of  the  state,  there  are  still  many  localities,  even  in  southern  Wis- 
consin where  it  occurs  regularly  in  good  numbers.  On  the  "Big 
Marsh"  near  Delavan  cranes  occur  every  spring  and  fall  in  numbers 
from  one  hundred  to  two  hundred  and  fifty,  remaining  for  nearly 
three  weeks  at  a  time.  A  nest  of  two  eggs  was  procured  on  this 
marsh,  May  30,  1883.  *****  They  were  reported  as  nesting  on 
the  immense  marsh  near  Palmyra  in  1898  and  a  few  certainly  bred 
near  Mauston  in  1896.  The  last  authentic  record  for  nesting  in 
southeastern  Wisconsin  was  of  two  pair  which  bred  near  Jefferson 
in  1900."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  37.) 

The  nest  is  a  large  affair,  composed  of  weeds,  rushes,  and  small 
sticks,  built  on  the  ground,  usually  in  marshy  places.  The  eggs  are 
two,  grayish  olive,  spotted  and  blotched  with  brown.  They  measure 
about  3.85  x  2.40  inches. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


379 


Suborder  RALLI.      Rails,  Gallinules,  Coots,  etc. 

Family  ARAMID^E.      Courlans  or   Limpkins. 

The  Limpkins  are  closely  allied  to  the  Cranes  osteologically,  but 
differ  widely  in  habits,  in  the  latter  resembling  both  the  Rails  and 
Herons.  They  frequent  swamps  and  streams  and  like  herons  are 
perfectly  at  home  in  trees.  Their  cry  is  a  mournful  wailing  note, 
from  which  it  is  called  "crying  bird"  in  some  parts  of  the  south,  espe- 
cially in  Florida,  where  it  is  also  known  as  Limpkin,  from  its  peculiar 
style  of  walking.  They  eat  large  numbers  of  land  snails  (Ampullaria) . 
The  tip  of  the  lower  mandible  is  bent  sideways,  caused,  it  is  claimed, 
by  forcing  the  bill  into  the  spiral  shell  to  extract  the  animal.  The 
single  genus  belonging  to  this  family  comprises  but  two  known  species. 


Limpkin. 


380     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Genus  ARAMUS  Vieill. 

93.     Aramus  vociferus  (LATHAM). 

LIMPKIN. 

Aramus  giganteus  (Bonap.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  76. 

Distr.:  Both  coasts  of  Central  America  and  Mexico  to  the  Rio 
Grande,  also  the  Greater  Antilles;  common  in  Florida. 

Adult:  General  plumage,  dark  olive  brown,  striped  with  white, 
the  stripes  on  the  body  being  much  heavier  than  those  on  the  head 
and  neck;  wing  and  tail  showing  bronzy  reflections  when  held  in  the 
light;  under  mandible,  slightly  twisted  near  the  tip. 

Length,  27.50;    wing,  13;    tarsus,  4.35;   bill,  4.50. 

I  include  this  species  upon  the  authority  of  Mr.  Isaac  E.  Hess 
who  writes  me:  "A  limpkin  was  taken  here  (Philo,  Champaign  Co., 
111. )  in  1896.  I  have  the  wings  of  this  bird  yet."  This  is  apparently 
the  only  record  for  Illinois  and  far  north  of  its  usual  range.  It  must 
of  course,  be  considered  an  accidental  straggler  within  our  limits. 


Family    RALLID^.      Rails,   Gallinules, 
Coots,   etc. 

A  large  family,  nearly  200  species,  being  known  throughout  the 
world,  17  of  which  occur  in  North  America.  They  frequent  the 
marshes  and  grassy  edges  of  ponds  and  rivers.  Their  food  consists 
principally  of  aquatic  animals  and  vegetable  substances,  seeds,  etc. 
Among  the  true  rails,  the  power  of  flight  is  not  strong  and  they  rarely 
take  wing  unless  forced  to  do  so,  preferring  to  run  and  hide  in  the  grass 
and  weeds  to  escape  danger. 

The  Coots,  belonging  to  the  subfamily  Fulicina,  although  ana- 
tomically allied  to  the  true  rails,  are  very  different  in  appearance  and 
habits.  They  often  gather  in  large  flocks  and  swim  about  in  open 
water,  at  a  distance  resembling  flocks  of  ducks. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  381 

Subfamily    RALLIN^.      Rails. 

Genus   RALLUS   Linn. 

94.     Rallus  elegans  AUD. 

KING  RAIL. 

Distr.:  Fresh  water  marshes  of  eastern  United  States,  north  to 
the  Middle  states  and  Wisconsin,  Illinois,  Indiana,  Kansas,  etc., 
casual  to  Massachusetts  and  Ontario. 

Adult:  Upper  parts,  dark  brown;  throat,'  white;  breast,  reddish 
brown;  sides,  darker,  barred  with  white ;  back  and  scapulars,  brownish, 


King  Rail. 

margined  with  olive  gray;  wings  and  tail,  dull  brown  or  olive  brown; 
wing  coverts,  rufous  brown. 

Length,  15.40;  wing,  6.55;  tarsus,  2.25;  bill,  2.50. 

The  King  Rail  is  a  summer  resident  in  Wisconsin  and  Illinois  and 
breeds  in  both  states  in  suitable  localities.  Nests  in  fresh  water 
marshes.  The  eggs  are  8  to  12,  buffy  white,  spotted  and  speckled 
with  rufous  brown,  and  measure  about  1.70  x  1.20  inches. 


382     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

95.     Rallus  virginianus  LINN. 
VIRGINIA  RAIL. 

Distr.:  North  America  in  general,  from  the  British  Provinces 
south  to  Guatemala  and  Cuba. 

Adult:  Having  somewhat  the  appearance  of  a  very  small  King 
Rail;  upper  parts,  dusky  or  blackish;  feathers,  edged  with  grayish 


Virginia  Rail. 

brown;  wings,  brownish;  under  parts,  dark  rufous  brown;  throat, 
white;  lores,  ashy  white,  shading  into  gray  on  the  cheeks;  flanks 
and  under  tail  coverts,  barred  and  spotted  with  white  and  black. 

Length,  9.40;   wing,  4.25;   tarsus,  1.35;    bill,  1.55. 

A  common  summer  resident  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  breeding 
throughout  both  states.  Inhabits  swamps  and  marshes.  Nests 
on  the  ground.  The  number  of  eggs  varies  from  7  to  12.  They  are 
pale  buff  color,  spotted  and  speckled  with  rufous  brown,  and  meas- 
ure about  1.25  x  .95  inches.  In  northern  Illinois  the  eggs  are  laid 
late  in  May  or  early  in  June. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  383 

Genus   PORZANA   Vieill. 

96.     Porzana  Carolina  (LiNN.). 

SORA  OR  CAROLINA  RAIL. 

Distr.:  Temperate  North  America,  south  to  West  Indies,  Cen- 
tral America,  and  northern  South  America. 

Adult:  Above,  reddish  brown,  streaked  with  black  and  some  of 
the  feathers  edged  with  white;  flanks  and  linings  of  the  wings,  barred 


Carolina  Rail. 

with  white  and  black;  abdomen,  dull  white;  a  stripe  of  black  passing 
from  the  bill  down  the  center  of  the  throat  but  not  reaching  the  breast ; 
whole  of  the  breast,  a  cheek  patch  and  superciliary  line,  slate  color; 
crown,  chestnut,  with  a  black  stripe  through  the  center;  carpus,  edged 
with  white;  crissum,  rufous,  shading  into  whitish. 

Length,  7.75;   wing,  4.20;   tail,  2;   tarsus,  1.38;   bill,  .75. 

The  Carolina  Rail  is  an  abundant  summer  resident  in  Illinois  and 
Wisconsin,  breeding  everywhere  in  suitable  localities.  The  nest  is 
of  grass  in  swampy  places.  The  eggs  are  from  8  to  14,  pale  buffy 
white,  spotted  and  marked  with  rufous  brown,  and  measure  about 
1.20  x  .90  inches.  In  northern  Illinois  incubation  begins  early  in  May, 
but  is  somewhat  later  in  Wisconsin.  There  is  a  set  of  eggs  in  the  Field 
Museum  collection,  taken  at  Goose  Lake,  Waseca  Co.,  Minnesota, 
June  3,  1892. 


384     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Genus  COTURNICOPS   Bonap. 
97.     Coturnicops  noveboracensis  (GMEL.). 
YELLOW  RAIL. 

Porzana  noveboracensis  (Gmel.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  79. 

Distr.:  Chiefly  eastern  North  America,  north  to  Nova  Scotia 
and  Hudson  Bay,  casually  west  to  Nevada  and  California ;  accidental 
in  Cuba  and  Bermuda. 

Adult:   Above,    streaked    with    blackish   and    yellowish    brown; 
feathers,   barred    and    mottled    with  white;    under  parts,  yellowish 


Yellow  Rail. 

brown,  palest  on  the  belly;  feathers  of  the  breast,  tipped  with  dark 
brown;  under  surface  of  wings,  white;  a  pale  yellowish  brown  super- 
ciliary stripe. 

Length,  6;   wing,  3  to  3.50;   tarsus,  .90  to  i.oo. 

The  Yellow  Rail  is  a  summer  resident  in  both  Illinois  and  Wisconsin. 
It  is  not  uncommon  but  is  seldom  seen  in  comparison  with  other 
species,  if  we  except  the  Little  Black  Rail.  It  breeds  in  Wisconsin 
and  at  least  in  the  northern  part  of  Illinois. 

Mr.  Nelson  gives  it  as  "not  very  rare"  and  states  that  a  set  of  six 
eggs  were  taken  with  the  bird,  May  17,  by  Mr.  J.  W.  Tolman  at  Winne- 
bago,  111.,  and  are  now  in  the  possession  of  the  Smithsonian  Institution. 
Kumlien  and  Hollister  give  it  as  a  summer  resident  in  Wisconsin. 
They  say:  "Not  nearly  so  rare  as  generally  supposed,  though  by  no 
means  common.  We  have  authentic  records  from  Racine,  Milwaukee, 
Elm  Grove,  Delavan,  Janesville,  Milton,  etc.,  and  even  breeding  records 
as  far  north  as  Brown  Co."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  39.) 

This  species  builds  its  nest  in  a  well-covered  marsh.  The  eggs  are 
six  or  more,  buffy  white,  spotted  heavily  on  the  larger  end  with 
brown.  They  measure  about  i.io  x  .85  inches. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  385 

Genus  CRECISCUS  Caban. 

98.     Creciscus  jamaicensis  (GMEL.). 

BLACK  RAIL. 

Porzana  jamaicensis  (Gmel.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  79. 
Distr.:    Temperate  North  America,  from  Massachusetts,  Illinois, 
and  Oregon  south  to  the  West  Indies  and  Guatemala. 

Adult:    Top  of  the  head,  dusky;    nape  and  upper  back,  brownish 
chestnut;  rest  of  back  and  upper  tail  feathers,  dusky  or  smoky  brown, 
finely  barred  with  white;   throat,    gray  or  ash 
gray;  belly,  gray;  flanks  and  lower  belly  and 
undertail  covers,  banded  with  white;  bill,  black. 
Length,   5;  wing,  2.50  to  3.20;  tarsus  .85  to 
.90. 

The  Black  Rail  is  a  regular  summer  resident 
in  Illinois  and  perhaps  in  southern  Wisconsin, 
but  on  account  of  its  small  size  and  retiring 
habits  it  is  rarely  seen. 

According  to  Nelson,  it  is  not  very  rare  in 
Black  Rail.  northern  Illinois  and  breeds.     He  records  the 

finding  of  a  set  of  ten  eggs  of  this  species  by  Mr.  Frank  Dewitt,  near 
the  Calumet  River,  June  19,  1875.  (Birds  N.  E.  Illinois,  1876,  p.  134.) 
Kumlien  and  Hollister  say:  "The  only  record  we  are  aware  of  is  the 
following:  August  20,  1877,  a  Marsh  Hawk  was  killed  by  Frithiof 
Kumlien  from  a  muskrat  house  on  the  border  of  Lake  Koshkonong. 
When  noted  first  it  was  eating  something  and  this  proved  to  be  a 
little  black  rail.  We  are  quite  sure  of  having  seen  it  on  one  occasion, 
but  the  above  is  probably  the  only  authentic  record  for  the  state  as 
yet."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  39.) 

The  nest  is  of  grass,  built  on  the  ground.  The  eggs  are  8  to  10, 
creamy  white  or  dull  white,  and  measure  about  i  x  .80  inches.  An 
admirable  account  of  the  breeding  and  distribution  of  this  species  is 
given  by  Dr.  J.  A.  Allen  in  the  Auk,  Vol.  XVII,  1900,  p.  i. 


386     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Subfamily  GALLINULIN^.     Gallinules. 

Genus  IONORNIS  Reich. 
99.     lonornis  martinica  (LiNN.). 

PURPLE  GALLINULE. 

Distr.:  Southern  United  States,  West'  Indies,  Middle  America, 
and  northern  South  America,  casual  as  far  north  as  Maine  and  Wis- 
consin. 

Adult  male:  Head,  neck,  and  under  parts,  bluish  purple,  grading 
into  black  on  the  belly;  above,  olive;  wing  coverts,  bluish;  back,  olive; 
crissum,  white;  frontal  plate  of  the  bill,  blue;  bill,  red,  tipped  with 
yellow;  legs,  yellow. 

Length,  n;  wing,  6.50;  tail,  2.65;  tarsus,  2.30. 

The  Purple  Gallinule  is  of  rare  occurrence  in  Illinois  in  summer, 
and  a  straggler  in  Wisconsin.  Butler  (Birds  of  Indiana,  1897) 
states  that  it  "breeds  northward  to  southern  Illinois,"  but  I  find  no 
record  of  the  eggs  having  been  taken  there.  Nelson  (Birds  N.  E. 
111.,  1876,  p.  135)  mentions  a  specimen  taken  near  Chicago,  by  Mr. 
C.  N.  Holden,  Jr.,  in  May,  1866;  and  Mr.  Ruthven  Deane  records  a 
second  Illinois  specimen  killed  by  Mr.  T.  G.  Windlass,  near  Coal  City, 
Grundy  Co.,  on  April  24,  1900.  (The  Auk,  Vol.  XIX,  1902,  p.  77.) 
Kumlien  and  Hollister  give  three  records  for  Wisconsin,  including 
one  by  Dr.  Hoy,  Janes ville,  Milwaukee  and  Racine.  It  has  also 
been  taken  in  Missouri,  Iowa  and  Ohio. 


Genus  GALLINULA   Brisson. 
100.     Gallinula  galeata  (LIGHT.). 
FLORIDA  GALLINULE. 

Distr.:  Temperate  and  tropical  America,  from  Canada  to  Brazil 
and  Chili,  including  the  West  Indies. 

Adult:  Head,  blackish;  bill,  tipped  with  green,  rest  of  bill  and 
frontal  plate,  deep  red;  upper  back,  slaty;  lower  back  and  wings,  olive 
brown;  under  parts,  dark  slate  color;  lower  belly,  grayish;  feathers, 
faintly  tipped  with  white;  some  of  the  feathers  on  the  sides  have  the 
inner  webs  white  near  the  tip,  giving  the  appearance  of  white  stripes; 
under  tail  coverts,  black;  tail,  white  and  black;  legs,  olive  green,  red- 
dish near  the  body. 

Length,  13;  wing,  6.60;  tail,  3.10;  tarsus,  2;  bill,  including  frontal 
shield,  1.75;  bill,  from  gape,  1.25. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  387 


Florida  Gallinule. 

This  species  is  a  common  summer  resident  in  Illinois  and  the 
greater  part  of  Wisconsin,  and  breeds  in  both  states.  The  majority 
of  them  arrive  early  in  May  and  the  eggs  are  laid  in  June.  The  nest 
is  a  mass  of  reeds  and  weeds  in  a  swamp  or  marsh.  The  eggs  are  8  to 
12  in  number,  buff  white,  spotted  and  speckled  with  brown,  and  meas- 
ure i. 80  x  1.25  inches.  The  Field  Museum  possesses  a  set  of  n  eggs 
taken  June  6,  1903,  at  Fox  Lake,  111.,  and  another  set  taken  in  a  marsh 
near  Chicago,  May  30,  1888. 


Subfamily   FULICIN^.     Coots. 

Genus   FULICA  Linn. 
101.     Fulica  americana  GMEL. 

AMERICAN  COOT. 

*• 

Distr.:  North  America,  from  Greenland  and  Alaska  south  to  the 
West  Indies  and  Veragua,  in  winter. 

Adult:  General  plumage,  dark  slate  color;  head  and  neck,  black- 
ish; bill,  whitish,  marked  with  reddish  black  on  the  upper  mandible; 
frontal  plate,  brownish  white;  legs  and  feet,  dark  olive,  the  toes  having 
peculiar  semicircular  flaps  or  webs;  abdomen,  grayish;  edge  of  wing 
and  ends  of  secondaries,  white. 


388     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


American  Coot. 

Length,  14.75;  wmg-  7-45S  tail,  2.30;  bill,  from  front  edge  of 
frontal  plate,  1.40. 

The  Coot  or  Mud-hen,  as  it  is  often  called,  is  a  common  summer 
resident  in  Wisconsin  and  Illinois,  breeding  in  suitable  localities. 
It  may  always  be  distinguished  from  the  Gallinule  by  the  peculiar 
lobate  or  scalloped  webs  on  the  toes.  It  breeds  in  May  and  early 
June.  The  nest  is  built  in  a  marsh  or  swampy  place  in  the  vicinity 
of  ponds  and  small  lakes  and  is  composed  of  reeds  and  grass.  The 
eggs  vary  in  number  from  9  to  14.  They  are  pale  buff  or  buffy  white, 
finely  speckled  with  dark  brown,  and  measure  about  1.85  x  1.28 
inches. 


ORDER 

SHORE    BIRDS    AND    MARSH    BIRDS. 

Family     PHALAROPODID^E.       Phalaropes. 

Phalaropes  somewhat  resemble  sandpipers  in  appearance,  but 
unlike  them,  are  fond  of  swimming  about  on  the  water  like  miniature 
ducks.  One  species  is  often  seen  in  flocks  far  out  at  sea.  The  inland 
forms  frequent  the  ponds,  lakes,  and  rivers.  The  female,  contrary 
to  the  usual  rule  (in  birds),  is  more  highly  colored  than  the  male 
and  is  larger.  All  of  the  three  species  comprising  this  small  family 
occur  in  North  America.  The  marginal  webs  on  the  toes  will  distin- 
guish them  from  the  sandpipers. 


Wilson's  Phalarope. 


Red  Phalarope.  Winter  plumage. 


389 


39°     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Genus  PHALAROPUS   Brisson. 
102.     Phalaropus  fulicarius  (LiNN.). 

RED  PHALAROPE. 

Crymophilus  fulicarius  (Linn.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  82. 
Distr.:    Arctic  regions,  south  in  winter,  chiefly  along  the  coast, 
to  the  Middle  states  in  eastern  North  America  and  Lower  California 
in  the  West. 

Adult  male  in  summer:  General  under  parts  and  sides  of  the  neck, 
purplish  brown;    upper  tail  coverts,  purplish  brown,  slightly  darker 
than  the  under  parts;   crown  of  the  head  and 
base  of  the  bill,  smoky  black;  sides  of  the  head, 
white,    extending   to    the   nape;   rump,    white; 
back,  black;  feathers,  edged  with  tawny  brown; 
primaries,    dusky,  the  shafts  being  white,  and 
the  base   of  the  feathers,  white;   some  of  the 
Phalaropus  fulicarius.      secondaries,  white ;    bill,   yellowish  brown,  dark 

on  the  tip;   feet,  dull  yellow. 

Adult  in  winter:    Head  and  under  parts,  white;    a    small   patch 
around  the  eye  and  a  nuchal  crest,  dusky;  the  under  parts  of  the  body 
are  tinged  with  ashy  gray  on  the  sides;  upper  parts,  grayish  ash  color; 
wings,  showing  a  distinct  white  bar;    bill,   dusky;    feet,  brownish. 
Length,  7.70;   wing,  5.10;   tail,  2.50  bill,  .94;  tarsus,  .80. 
The  Red  Phalarope  is  a  comparatively  rare  bird  in  Illinois  and 
Wisconsin.     Small  flocks  occasionally  occur  on  Lake  Michigan  and 
some  of  the  inland  waters  during  the  migrations. 

Ridgway  includes  it  as  a  rare  migrant.  Nelson  in  his  Birds  of 
Northeastern  Illinois  (1876,  p.  125)  says:  "Exceedingly  rare,  occurs 
only  during  the  migrations."  Kumlien  and  Hollister  (Birds  of  Wis- 
consin, 1903,  p.  41)  state  that  small  flocks  may  be  met  on  Lake 
Michigan  and  Lake  Superior  in  autumn  and  occasionally  straggling 
individuals  wander  to  the  inland  lakes.  They  also  give  several  re- 
cords of  specimens  killed  in  the  state. 


Genus   LOBIPES   Cuvier. 
103.     Lobipes  lobatus  (LiNN.). 

NORTHERN  PHALAROPE. 

Phalaropus  lobatus  (Linn.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  82. 
Distr.:    North  portion  of  northern  hemisphere,  breeding  in  Arctic 
latitudes;    south  in  winter  to  the  tropics. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


Lobipes  lobatus. 


Adult  female  in  summer:  Upper  plumage,  dark 
plumbeous;  the  back,  streaked  with  buff;  sides  and 
front  of  the  neck,  rufous  brown;  greater  wing  coverts, 
tipped  with  white;  belly,  white. 

Adult  male  in  summer:    Similar  to  the  female  but 
paler;  little,  if  any,  rufous  on  the  front  of  the  neck. 
Winter  plumage:   Upper  plumage,  grayish;    forehead,  sides  of  the 
neck,  cheeks,  and  under  parts,  white;   top  of  the  head,  dull  gray;   the 
feathers  edged  with  dull  white;    a  dusky  spot  on  side  of  head  and  in 
front  of  the  eye;  breast,  tinged  with  gray. 

Length,  7.50;  wing,  4.25;  tarsus,  .80;  tail,  2;  bill,  .80  to  .90. 
The  Northern  Phalarope  occurs  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin  during 
the  migrations,  and  although  there  are  numerous  records  of  its  capture 
in  both  states,  it  is  by  no  means  common.  Kumlien  and  Hollister 
state  that  it  is  frequently  taken  on  Lake  Koshkonong  in  August. 
Mr.  G.  A.  Abbott  informs  me  that  he  killed  a  specimen  on  Lake  Calu- 
met near  Chicago,  in  September,  1903. 


Genus  STEGANOPUS  Vieill. 

104.     Steganopus  tricolor  VIEILL. 
WILSON'S  PHALAROPE. 

Phalaropus  tricolor  (Vieill.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  83. 
Distr.:    Chiefly  interior  of  North  America,  breeding  from  northern 
Illinois  northward;    south  in  winter  to   South.  America.     Common 
along  Mississippi  Valley  during  migrations,   rare  or  casual  on  the 
Atlantic  coast. 

Adult  female  in  summer:  Crown  and  middle 
of  back,  pearl  gray;  nape,  white;  superciliary 
stripe,  white;  a  dusky  or  black  streak  from  the 
eye  to  the  sides  of  the  neck;  sides  of  upper  back, 
chestnut,  bordering  the  gray;  middle  throat  and 
breast  tinged  with  pale  rufous  brown;  chin, 
white;  belly,  white. 

Adult  male  in  summer:  General  resemblance 
to  the  female,  but  smaller  and  much  paler  in  coloration;  the  crown 
and  back,  more  brownish. 

Adult  in  winter:  Upper  plumage,  the  feathers  more  or  less  edged 
with  white;  wings,  fuscous,  or  gray  brown;  coverts,  edged  narrowly 
with  white;  under  parts,  white. 


Steganopus   tricolor. 


392     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Female:  Length,  9.10  to  10.05;  wing,  5.20  to  5.40;  tarsus,  1.25 
to  1.40;  bill,  1.25  to  1.40. 

Male:  Length,  8.40  to  9.10;  wing,  4.60  to  4.90;  tarsus,  1.20  to 
1.30;  bill,  1.20  to  1.30. 

Wilson's  Phalarope  is  a  rather  common  summer  resident  and  breeds 
in  northern  Illinois  and  Wisconsin.  The  male  of  this  species,  as  in 
the  other  Phalaropes,  is  smaller  than  the  female  and  not  so  highly 
colored;  he  also  takes  upon  himself  many  domestic  duties  usually 
assumed  by  the  female;  he  sits  on  the  nest,  contrary  to  the  usual 
custom,  and  devotes  himself  to  the  young  chicks.  The  nest  is  merely 
a  slight  depression  in  the  ground,  more  or  less  lined  with  grass.  The 
eggs  are  usually  four,  cream  white,  heavily  blotched  with  dark  brown, 
and  measure  about  1.25  x  .95  inches. 


Family   RECURVIROSTRID^.      Avocets 
and   Stilts. 

A  small  family  characterized  by  long  slender  legs  and  extreme 
slenderness  of  bill.  Two  species  occur  in  eastern  United  States. 
They  are  usually  seen  in  flocks  wading  about  in  shallow  water,  but 
they  are  expert  swimmers  as  well  as  waders. 


Genus  RECURVIROSTRA  Linn. 

105.     Recurvirostra  americana  GMEL. 

AMERICAN  AVOCET. 

Distr.:  Temperate  North  America,  north  of  the  Saskatchewan 
and  Great  Slave  Lake,  south  to  Guatemala  and  the  West  Indies  in 
winter;  rare  in  eastern  United  States. 

Adult  in  summer:  Bill,  very  slender  and  curved  upwards;  feet, 
partly  webbed;  general  plumage,  white,  becoming  cinnamon  brown 
on  the  head  and  neck,  but  remaining  whitish  at  the  base  of  the  bill; 
primaries,  black;  most  of  the  secondaries,  white,  forming  a  broad 
white  patch  on  the  wing;  tail,  ashy  gray;  legs,  bluish;  bill,  black. 

Adult  in  winter:  Head  and  most  of  the  neck,  ashy  gray;  tail, 
ashy  gray;  rest  as  in  summer  plumage. 

Length,  18  to  20;  wing,  7.50  to  9;  tail,  3.50;  bill,  3.25  to  3.75; 
tarsus,  3.60. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  393 


The  Avocet  is  of  occasional  occurrence  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin. 
Nelson  says  (Birds  N.  E.  111.,  1876,  p.  124) :  "A  rare  migrant,  gener- 
ally occurs  in  small  parties  the  last  of  April  and  the  first  or  May  and 
during  September  and  the  first  of  October.  Frequents  the  borders 
of  marshy  pools."  Regarding  its  occurrence  in  Wisconsin,  Kum- 
lien  and  Hollister  say:  "Specimens  of  this  peculiar  wader  were  taken 
by  Thure  Kumlien  at  different  times  from  1844  to  1875.  Three  were 
shot  on  Lake  Koshkonong,  September,  1873.  Bred  in  Green  Bay 
in  1879,  where  downy  young  were  seen  in  the  possession  of  a  taxider- 
mist, by  L.  Kumlien.  Those  taken  by  Thure  Kumlien  were  more 
often  taken  in  September  and  October  and  were  principally  young 
birds.  A  specimen  in  the  Milwaukee  Public  Museum  is  labelled 
'Wis.'  At  the  present  time  it  must  be  considered  as  exceptionally 
rare."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  42.)  "East  of  the  Mississippi 
it  breeds  from  Illinois  northward."  (W.  W.  Cooke,  Bird  Migr. 
Miss.  Val.,  1888,  p.  90.) 

The  nest  is  merely  a  depression  in  the  ground  in  marshy  places. 
The  eggs  are  three  or  four,  olive  clay  color,  marked  and  spotted  with 
chocolate  brown,  and  measure  about  2  x  1.40  inches. 


394     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Genus   HIMANTOPUS  Brisson. 
1 06.     Himantopus  mexicanus  (MULL.)  . 

BLACK-NECKED  STILT. 

D.istr.:  Temperate  North  America,  from  northern  United  States 
southward  to  the  West  Indies,  northern  Brazil  and  Peru;  rare  in 
eastern  United  States,  except  in  Florida,  where  it  breeds. 


Adult:  Top  and  sides  of  the  head  and  back  of  the  neck  and  back, 
black;  under  eyelid  and  a  spot  above  and  behind  the  eye,  forehead, 
and  sides  of  the  head  under  the  eye,  white;  rest  of  under  parts,  with 
the  rump  and  upper  tail  coverts,  white;  tail,  ash  gray  or  pearl  gray; 
bill,  black;  legs,  red  in  life. 

The  immature  bird  has  the  upper  parts  brownish;  feathers,  edged 
with  whitish;  wings,  blackish,  some  of  the  feathers,  tipped  with  white; 
wing  coverts,  edged  with  buff  or  tawny  brown;  under  parts,  white, 
mottled  with  black  and  tawny  brown. 

Length,  15.50;  wing,  9;  tail,  3;  tarsus,  4.25;  bill,  2.70. 

The  Black-necked  Stilt  is  of  casual  occurrence  in  southern  Illinois, 
although  probably  rare  at  the  present  time.  Nelson  considered  it 
an  exceedingly  rare  visitant  in  northern  Illinois  and  states  there  is  a 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  395 

fine  specimen  taken  in  McLean  County,  Illinois,  in  the  collection  of 
the  Illinois  Natural  History  Society  at  Normal,  111.  Ridgway  says 
(Orn.  of  111.,  1895,  p.  76):  "While  on  record  only  as  a  summer 
visitant,  the  Stilt  undoubtedly  breeds  in  some  portions  of  the  state." 
In  Wisconsin,  it  is  a  very  rare  straggler,  the  only  known  record  being 
that  of  Df.  Hoy  (Transactions  of  the  Wisconsin  Agri.  Soc.,  Vol.  II, 
1852',  p.  355)  who  says:  "Met  a  small  flock  of  these  singular  birds 
near  Racine,  in  1847." 

This  species  is  given  in  Gibbs's  Birds  of  Michigan  as  a  "rare  tran- 
sient." 


Family  SCOLOPACID^E.      Snipes, 
Sandpipers,   etc. 

The  Scolopacidae  comprise  a  large  family,  a  "hundred  or  more  species 
being  known  from  various  parts  of  the  world.  Nearly  50  species 
occur  in  North  America.  The  greater  portion  of  these  birds  frequent 
the  beaches  and  marshes,  some,  however,  are  partial  to  open  fields. 
The  majority  of  them  procure  their  food  by  probing  with  their  sensi- 
tive bills  in  mud  or  sand.  Their  flesh  is  excellent  and  they  are  much 
sought  after  by  sportsmen  during  the  migrations. 


Genus  PHILOHELA  Gray. 
107.     Philohela  minor  (GMEL.). 
WOODCOCK. 

Distr.:  Eastern  North  America,  from  British  Provinces  westward 
to  North  Dakota  and  Kansas  and  south  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico'. 

Adult:  Bill,  long,  corrugated  near  the  end;  upper  parts  variegated 
with  tawny  rufous,  brown  and  black;  head,  rufous  brown,  banded 
on  the  occiput  with  alternate  bands  of  black  and  tawny  bi^wn;  a 
line  of  black  from  the  eye  to  the  bill ;  a  narrow  patch  on  the  sides  of  the 
lower  head,  blackish;  throat,  pale  rufous  or  rufous  white;  under  parts 
of  the  body,  pale  rufous;  quills,  brownish;  three  outer  primaries,  very 
narrow;  tail  feathers,  dusky,  tipped  with  ash;  bill,  pale  brown,  yellow- 
ish at  the  base;  legs,  reddish;  bill,  light  brown,  paler  and  yellowish 
at  base. 

Length,  11.50;   wing,  5.45;   tarsus,  1.30;   bill,  2.90  to  3.05. 


396     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


A  common  summer  resident  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  breeding  in 
timbered  swamps  and  in  the  bottom  lands  along  rivers  and  streams. 
Its  presence  is  often  indicated  by  numerous  holes  in  the  soft  ground 
made  by  its  bill  when  probing  for  its  food.  Arrives  from  the  south 
late  in  March  or  early  in  April.  The  whistling  sound  made  by  this 
bird  when  suddenly  "flushed"  is  caused  by  the  rapid  movement 
through  the  air  of  the  stiff,  narrow  outer  primaries  and  is  not  vocal 
as  some  suppose. 

Mrs.  Irene  G.  Wheelock  writes  me  regarding  the  unusual  occur- 
rence of  a  bird  of  this  species  in  Wisconsin  in  winter,  stating  that  on 
January  3,  1908,  a  Woodcock  was  flushed  in  a  clump  of  spruce  trees 
on  the  grounds  of  Mr.  Charles  L.  Hutchinson  at  Lake  Geneva.  The 
mud  in  the  sun  warmed  hollow  showed  numerous  "borings." 

The  nest  is  usually  a  mat  of  leaves  placed  on  the  ground.  The 
eggs  are  four,  pale  buff  color  with  more  or  less  distinct  markings  of 
rufous  brown.  They  measure  about  1.60  x  1.25  inches.  The  Field 
Museum  collection  contains  a  set  of  four  eggs  taken  by  Mr.  G.  A. 
Abbott  in  Cook  County,  Ilinois,  April  12,  1903. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


397 


Genus  GALLINAGO   Koch. 
108.     Gallinago  delicata  (ORD). 
WILSON'S  SNIPE. 

Local  names:  English  Snipe.     Jack  Snipe. 

Distr.:  North  America,  breeding  from  northern  United  States 
northward;  south  to  the  West  Indies,  Middle  America,  and  northern 
South  America,  in  winter. 

Adult:  Bill,  long  and  straight,  being  slightly  enlarged  near  the 
tip  and  showing  numerous  small  pits ;  no  web  between  outer  and  mid- 


Wilson's  Snipe. 

die  toes;  general  upper  parts,  dark  brown,  tawny  brown,  pale  yellow, 
dull  white;  top  of  the  head,  black,  with  middle  stripe  of  tawny  brown: 


398     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

outer  web  of  first  primary,  white;  greater  wing  coverts,  brownish 
or  dusky,  with  white  tips;  axillars  and  under  surface  of  wings,  barred 
with  black;  upper  tail  coverts,  tawny  brown,  barred  with  black; 
tail  feathers,  chestnut  brown,  with  subterminal  black  bar;  tips,  white, 
and  feathers  marked  with  black  at  the  base;  under  parts,  white; 
breast  and  throat,  speckled  and  lined  with  brown;  sides  of  the  body, 
brownish,  barred  with  dull  black. 

Length,  ii ;  wing,  5;  tail,  2.20;  tarsus,  1.25;   bill,  2.40  to  2.60. 

This  species  is  abundant  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin  during  the 
migrations,  and  some  remain  to  breed  in  both  states,  but  more  com- 
monly in  Wisconsin  than  in  Illinois. 

The  nest  is  on  the  ground.  The  eggs  are  usually  four,  grayish 
or  brownish  olive,  heavily  blotched  with  chocolate  brown  mostly  at 
the  larger  end.  They  measure  1.65  x  1.20  inches. 

An  interesting  account  of  the  breeding  of  this  species  in  Illinois 
and  Indiana  is  given  by  Mr.  Ruthven  Deane  (The  Auk,  Vol.  XVI, 
1899,  p.  270).  He  states  that  it  must  breed  more  commonly  in  Illi- 
nois and  Indiana  than  is  generally  supposed,  as  he  found  them  very 
numerous  at  English  Lake,  Indiana,  in  the  latter  part  of  July  and 
early  in  August  and  refers  to  numbers  of  specimens  having  been  taken 
near  Davis  Station,  Ind.,  and  near  Waukegan,  111. 

In  some  localities  in  the  Southern  States,  during  the  winter  months, 
thousands  of  these  birds  are  killed  on  the  marshes  where  they  collect 
on  some  especially  good  feeding  ground.  When  first  disturbed  they 
utter  a  peculiar  cheep  as  they  rise  from  the  ground,  often  repeated 
during  their  flight,  which  is  very  irregular,  making  them  one  of  the 
most  difficult  birds  to  shoot. 


Genus  MACRORHAMPHUS  Forster. 
109.     Macrorhamphus  griseus  (GMEL.). 
DOWITCHER.     RED-BREASTED  SNIPE. 

Distr.:  Eastern  North  America,  breeding  far  north;  south  to  the 
West  Indies  and  Brazil,  in  winter. 

Adult  in  summer:  A  small  web  between  the  outer  and  middle 
toes;  upper  parts,  blackish;  feathers,  edged  with  tawny  brown;  top 
of  head,  blackish,  mottled  with  tawny  brown;  under  parts,  red  brown, 
banded  on  the  sides;  throat  and  breast  only,  slightly  spotted,  entirely 
without  spots  in  some  plumages;  tail  and  upper  tail  coverts,  barred 
with  black;  bill,  dark  olive, 

Adult   in  winter:     Upper   parts,    grayish,    the    feathers    showing 


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399 


faint  edges  of  buff  on  the  back;  chin  and  superciliary  stripe,  dull 
grayish  white;  breast,  gray,  showing  slight  traces  of  tawny  (often 
entirely  absent ) ;  rest  of  under  part,  dirty  white,  mottled  on  the 
crissum;  tail,  banded  dark  brown  or  black  and  white. 

Length,  10.30;   wing,  5.70;  tarsus,  1.30;   bill,  2.20  to  2.50. 

The  Dowitcher  was  at  one  time  common,  but  now  occurs  only 
as  a  rather  rare  migrant  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin.  It  is  difficult  to 
determine  the  relative  abundance  of  this  species  in  comparison  with 
the  next,  from  the  fact  that  the  ordinary  sportsmen,  as  a  rule,  do 
not  recognize  them  as  different. 


110.     Macrorhamphus  scolopaceus  (SAY). 

LONG-BILLED  DOWITCHER. 

Distr.:  Western  North  America,  breeding  from  Alaska  to  the 
Arctic  coast;  south  from  the  United  States  and  Mexico  in  winter; 
casual  on  the  Atlantic  coast. 

Adult:  Resembles  the  preceding  species,  but  the  bill  is  longer, 
and  in  breeding  plumage,  the  sides  of  the  body  are  more  distinctly 
barred  with  black;  the  throat  and  breast  more  rufous,  and  the  general 
plumage  more  highly  colored. 

In  winter  the  principal  difference  is  one  of  size. 

Length,  n;   wing,  6.05;   tarsus,  1.55;   bill,  2.20  to  2.60. 

This  species  is  still  more  or  less  common  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin 
during  the  migrations.  It  is  (or  was )  a  well-known  bird  to  sportsmen, 
and  its  long,  snipe-like  bill  will  always  distinguish  it  from  other  species 
of  shore  birds,  except  the  Wilson's  Snipe,  from  which  it  may  be  known 
at  a  glance  by  the  small  web  between  the  outer  and  middle  toes,  and 
by  its  differently  marked  tail  and  tail  coverts.  It  occurs  in  flocks,  and 
where -it  has  not  been  persecuted  by  gunners,  is  very  tame  and  unsus- 
picious. It  was  formerly  very  abundant,  but  being  easy  to  kill,  great 


400     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

numbers  of  them  were  shot  by  market  hunters,  until  now  it  is  almost 
a  rare  bird  in  localities  where  it  was  once  exceedingly  numerous. 

Kumlien  and  Hollister  state  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  44): 
"Young  still  unable  or  barely  able  to  fly  were  taken  on  several  oc- 
casions. There  is  positively  no  question  that  considerable  numbers 
bred  in  Wisconsin  from  1865  to  1875  and  in  1872  and  1873,  as  far  south 
as  Lake  Koshkonong.  In  August  the  fully  fledged  young  return  from 
the  north  in  great  flocks."  This  is  out  of  its  usual  breeding  range  and 
apparently  its  eggs  were  not  actually  found.  It  is  well  to  note, 
however,  that  Cook  in  his  Birds  of  Michigan  (1893,  p.  58)  says: 
"Prof.  Ludwig  Kumlien  writes  me  that  it  breeds  in  the  Northern 
Peninsula.  Davie,  page  in,  states  that  this  species  breeds  on  the 
border  of  Lake  Superior  and  north." 


Genus   MICROPALAMA   Baird. 

III.     Micropalama  himantopus  (BoNAP.). 

STILT  SANDPIPER. 

Distr.:  Northeastern  North  America,  breeding  from  the  southern 
shores  of  Hudson  Bay  to  the  Mackenzie  region  and  northward;  south 
in  winter  to  the  West  Indies,  Central  and  South  America. 

Adult  in  summer:  Legs,  dull  olive  green;  entire  plumage,  dull 
white  and  dark  brown,  being  banded  on  the  under  parts  with  dark 
brown,  and  the  upper  parts,  streaked  with  dark  brown;  a  stripe  of 
chestnut  brown  above  and  below  the  eye,  the  former  extending  back- 
wards and  joining  at  the  occiput;  secondaries,  edged  with. tawny 
brown. 

Adult  in  winter:  Upper  plumage,  gray;  feathers  on  the  back, 
edged  with  white;  breast,  pale  buff,  slightly  mottled,  shading  into 
dull  white  on  the  upper  throat;  belly,  dull  white;  bill,  black. 

Length,  8.20;    wing,  5;    tarsus,  1.65;  bill,  1.60. 

The  Stilt  Sandpiper  can  not  be  considered  a  common  species  either 
in  Illinois  or  Wisconsin,  but  it  occurs  regularly  in  both  states  during 
the  migrations  and  is  apparently  more  numerous  in  late  summer  than 
in  spring. 

Nelson  (Birds  N.  E.  Illinois,  1876,  p.  126)  considers  it  "of  rare 
occurrence"  and  says:  "On  the  8th  of  August,  1873,  I  saw  a  single 
specimen  on  the  Lake  shore  near  Chicago,  and  the  loth  of  Sep- 
tember, the  same  year,  R.  P.  Clark  obtained  a  specimen  at  the 
same  place." 

Mr.  Frank  M.  Woodruff  writes:  "I  have  observed  a  large  number 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  401 

of  this  species,  and  can  positively  say  that  they'  are  a  rare  spring 
migrant,  and  a  common  fall  visitant.  It  is  very  hard  to  distinguish 
them  in  the  fall  plumage  from  the  young  of  Totanus  flavipes.  I 
have  one  in  the  breeding  plumage  taken  at  South  Chicago  on  the 
Calumet  River  in  April,  1890;  also  one  in  the  light  plumage  taken 
at  Mud  Lake,  September  23,  1893.  Mr.  J.  G.  Parker,  Jr.,  has  a  bright 
female  taken  from  a  flock  of  four  at  Mud  Lake,  July  25,  1893;  also 
a  young  bird  from  the  same  locality.  On  August  24,  1895,  Mr. 
J.  F.  Ferry  of  Lake  Forest,  111.,  and  myself  shot  four  Stilt  Sandpipers 
from  a  flock  of  fifty  or  more  at  Liberty ville,  111."  (The  Auk,  Vol. 
XIII,  1896,  p.  180. ) 

Kumlien  and  Hollister  say  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903^.  44):  "It 
is  a  migrant  and  doubtless  a  former  summer  breeder  to  a  limited 
extent.  *  *  *  *  During  the  seventies  they  were  rather  common 
about  Koshkonong,  especially  during  the  latter  part  of  July,  August, 
and  well  into  September.  We  have  taken  young  barely  able  to  fly, 
readily  running  them  down.  These  had  the  head  and  upper  neck 
still  in  the  natal  down,  and  if  they  were  not  hatched  at  Lake  Kosh- 
konong, certainly  they  could  have  come  but  a  short  distance." 
This  is  interesting  from  the  fact  that  the  limit  of  its  supposed  breeding 
range  is  very  much  farther  north.  It  will  be  noted,  however,  that 
there  is  no  record  of  the  nest  and  eggs  having  been  taken  in  the 
state. 

Genus  TRINGA  Linn. 
112.     Tringa  canutus  LINN, 

KNOT. 

Distr.:  A  cosmopolitan  species,  breeding  in  high  latitudes,  mi- 
grating south  to  the  southern  hemisphere  in  winter. 

Adult  in  summer:  Top  of  the  head,  buffy  white,  mixed  with 
blackish;  upper  plumage,  variegated  with  black,  white,  and  buff; 
upper  tail  coverts,  barred  with  black  and  white,  often  marked  with 
buff;  entire  under  parts,  except  the  lower  abdomen,  rufous  brown; 
lower  abdomen,  white;  axillars,  white,  with  long,  arrow-shaped  mark- 
ings of  dark  gray. 

Adult  in  winter:  Entire  upper  plumage,  ashy  gray,  the  feathers 
having  pale,  brownish  shafts,  showing  indistinct  fine  lines;  upper  tail 
coverts,  white,  banded  with  brown;  under  parts,  white;  the  breast 
and  sides  with  indistinct,  irregular  dots  and  bands  of  brownish  gray; 
'belly,  and  under  tail  coverts,  pure  white;  axillars,  white,  with  irreg- 
ular, arrow-shaped,  brownish  gray  marking. 


402     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


M 


Knot.  Upper  tail  coverts. 

Length,  10.60;    wing,  6.70;    tarsus,  1.25;    bill,  1.30. 

The  Knot  occurs  sparingly  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin  during  the 
migrations.  Nelson  gives  it  as  a  regular  migrant,  but  not  common. 
Kumlien  and  Hollister  say:  "Thirty  years  ago  a  rather  common  mi- 
grant in  May  and  June  and  more  sparing  in  Autumn.  Of  late  years 
decidedly  rare  at  any  season."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  45.) 


Genus   ARQUATELLA   Baird. 

113.     Arquatella  maritima  (BRUNN.). 

PURPLE  SANDPIPER. 

Tringa  maritima  Briinn.,  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  P-  87. 

Distr.:  Northern  portions  of  northern  hemisphere;  in  North 
America  chiefly  in  the  northeastern  portion,  breeding  in  high  latitudes 
and  migrating  south  in  winter  to  the  middle  Atlantic  states  and  the 
Great  Lakes;  accidental  in  Florida. 

Adult  in  summer:  Top  of  head,  dark  gray;  back,  blackish,  the 
feathers  edged  with  grayish  white;  rump  and  upper  tail  coverts, 
black  or  brownish  black;  a  small  black  spot  in  front  of  the  eye; 
breast,  grayish,  having  the  appearance  of  being  spotted  with  black, 
which  black  spotting  also  appears  on  the  sides  of  the  body.  This 
is  caused  by  the  feathers  of  the  breast  being  dark  at  the  base,  tipped 
with  white,  and  on  the  sides  of  the  body  the  feathers  are  white  with 
black  spots  near  the  tips;  axillars,  white. 

Adult  in  winter :  Similar,  but  lacking  the  black  spots  on  the  breast 
and  sides,  which  are  replaced  by  pale  gray;  bill,  yellowish  at  base. 

Length,  9.25;   wing,  5;   tarsus,  .92;  bill,  1.30. 

This  species  is  a  rare  straggler  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin. 

Nelson  records  a  specimen  taken  on  the  Lake  shore  near  Chicago, 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


403 


Purple  Sandpiper. 

November  7,  1871,  which  he  states  is  preserved  in  the  collection  of 
Dr.  J.  W.  Velie.  Mr.  Frank  M.  Woodruff  writes:  "I  have  a  specimen 
of  this  bird  taken  at  South  Chicago,  in  June,  1895.  This  with  Dr.  J.W. 
Velie's  specimen  taken  November  7,  1891  (sic),  are  the  only  records 
I  can  find  of  the  Purple  Sandpiper  in  Cook  County."  (The  Auk, 
Vol.  XIII,  1896,  p.  180.)  Kumlien  and  Hollister  (Birds  of  Wisconsin, 
1903,  p.  45)  state:  "In  the  collection  of  the  Oshkosh  Normal  School 
is  a  specimen  which  is  said  to  have  been  taken  at  Bay  View  (Door 
County),  in  May,  1881."  Dr.  Hoy  gives  it  in  his  list  of  Wisconsin 
birds  (1853)  as  "greatly  abundant  from  i5th  of  April  to  2oth  of 
May."  This  would  seem  very  unlikely. 


Genus   PISOBIA   Billberg. 

114.     Pisobi-a  maculata  (VIEILL.). 
PECTORAL    SANDPIPER. 

Tringa  maculata  Vieill.,  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  88. 

Local  names:  Grass-snipe.     Grass  Bird. 

Distr.:  The  whole  of  North  America,  breeding  in  the  Arctic 
regions;  south  in  winter  to  West  Indies  and  South  America. 

Adult  in  summer:  Head  and  upper  parts,  dark  brown,  the  feathers 
edged  with  tawny;  throat  and  belly,  white;  breast,  pale  brown,  the 


404     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Pectoral  Sandpiper. 

feathers  narrowly  streaked  with  dark  brown  or  blackish;  upper  tail 
coverts,  black;  two  middle  tail  feathers  longer  than  the  others;  basal 
half  of  bill,  dull  greenish  yellow. 

Winter  plumage:  Breast,  brownish  buff,  and  upper  parts,  more 
brownish. 

Length,  9;    wing,  5.25;    tarsus,  1.05;   bill,  1.15. 

Common  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin  during  the  migrations,  but  not 
nearly  as  abundant  as  formerly.  A  few  remain  during  the  summer, 
but  they  are  probably  sterile  birds,  as  none  have  been  found  breeding. 


115.     Pisobia  fuscicollis  (VIEILL.). 
WHITE-RUMPED  SANDPIPER. 

Tringa  fuscicollis  Vieill.,  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  88. 

Distr.:  Eastern  North  America,  breeding  in  the  far  north;  south 
to  the  West  Indies,  Middle  America  and  South  America  (to  Falkland 
Islands)  in  winter. 

Adult  in  summer:  Top  of  the  head  and  back,  mottled  with  black, 
dull  white,  and  buff;  throat,  white;  breast,  finely  lined  with  dark 
brown;  belly,  white;  an  imperfect  superciliary  line  of  dull  white; 
rump,  dusky  gray,  and  most  of  upper  tail  coverts,  white. 

Adult  in  winter:  Top  of  the  head  and  back,  grayish,  some  of  the 
feathers  marked  with  dark  brown,  giving  it  a  slightly  mottled  appear- 
ance on  the  back  and  top  of  the  head;  upper  throat,  white;  breast, 
ashy  gray,  the  shafts  of  the  feathers  showing  brown;  belly,  white; 
forehead,  whitish,  extending  in  an  imperfect  superciliary  line. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  405 

Length,  6.85;   wing,  4.95;   tarsus,  .95;   bill,  .95. 

This  species  is  not  common,  occurring  irrregularly  in  Wisconsin 
and  Illinois  during  the  migrations. 

Mr.  T.  M.  Woodruff  considers  it  "a  very  rare  migrant"  in  the 
Chicago  area  and  states  he  has  taken  it  at  Meredosia,  Illinois.  (Birds 
of  Chicago  Area,  1907,  p.  69.)  Nelson  procured  a  specimen  and  saw 
a  number  of  others  on  the  Lake  shore  near  Waukegan,  111.,  on  June 
9,  1876;  he  also  states  that  Mr.  R.  P.  Clarke  had  taken  it  late  in 
the  autumn  near  Chicago.  (Birds  of  N.  E.  Illinois,  1876,  p.  127.) 

Messrs.  Kumlien  and  Hollister  give  it  as  occuring  regularly  in 
Wisconsin  but  by  no  means  abundant.  They  say:  "Small  flocks  of 
a  dozen  or  less  are  sometimes  found  about  Lake  Koshkonong  until 
the  middle  of  June,  and  they  are  back  again  with  barely  full-fledged 
young  by  August  i."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  46.) 


116.     Pisobia  bairdii  (CouEs). 
BAIRD'S  SANDPIPER. 

Tringa  bairdii  (Coues),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  P-  88- 
Distr.:    Arctic  interior  of  North  America  where  it  breeds;  migrat- 
ing south  through  the  interior  to  southern  South  America  (Patagonia); 
rare  on  the  Atlantic  coast,  and  not  recorded  from  the  Pacific  coast  of 
the  United  States. 

Adult  in  summer:    Crown,  dark  brown,  mixed  with  buff;    nape 
and  upper  back,  narrowly  streaked  with  buff  and  dark  brown;    the 


Baird's  Sandpiper.  Tail  and  upper  tail  coverts: 

feathers  of  the  back,  dark  brown,  narrowly  edged  with  white;  upper 
tail  coverts,  blackish,  the  feathers  usually  narrowly  tipped  with  buff; 
two  central  tail  feathers,  very  slightly  longer  than  the  others  (not 
decidedly  longer,  as  in  Pisobia  maculata);  chin,  white;  breast,  brown- 
ish buff,  showing  very  faint  and  narrow  streaks  of  brown;  under  parts, 
buffy  white,  with  a  faint  tinge  of  buff,  sometimes  entirely  white. 


406     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Adult  in  winter:  Similar,  but  paler. 

Immature:  Resembles  the  adult,  but  has  the  feathers  of  the  back 
and  wing  coverts  tipped  with  white. 

Length,  7.40;   wing,  4.50  to  4.90;   tarsus,  i;    bill,  i. 

Baird's  Sandpiper  occurs  regularly  in  small  numbers  in  Illinois 
and  Wisconsin  during  the  migrations  in,  spring  and  fall,  usually  in 
May,  August  and  September. 

117.     Pisobia  minutilla  (VIEILL.). 
LEAST  SANDPIPER. 

Tringa  minutilla  Vieill.,  A.  0.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  P-  89- 
Local  name:  Peep. 

Distr.:  North  America;  south  throughout  South  America  in  win- 
ter, breeding  chiefly  north  of  the  United  States. 

Adult  in  summer:  Very  small;  upper  parts,  marked  with  tawny 
black  and  pale  buff;  under  parts,  whitish  on  the  throat,  shading  into 
ashy  gray,  and  showing  faint  brownish  lines  on  the  breast ;  rest  of  the 
under  parts,  white; '  bill,  dull  black;  no  web  between  toes. 

Adult  in  winter:  Similar  to   the  above,  but 
grayer  in  color. 

Length,    5.50  to    6.50;    wing,    3.60;     tarsus, 
.75;  bill,  .85. 

This  species  is  common  during  the  migrations 
in  May  and  August  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin, 
and  occasionally  birds  remain  during  the  sum- 
mer and  may  have  bred.  We  have  no  pub- 
lished record  of  the  eggs  actually  having  been  taken  in  either  state. 
On  June  5,  1875,  Mr.  Nelson  observed  a  bird  of  this  species  build- 
ing a  nest  near  the  Calumet  River.  It  was  not  completed  but  "The 
birds  were  noticed  several  times  in  the  vicinity  and  they  probably 
had  a  nest  in  some  safer  spot."  (Birds  N.  E.  Illinois,  1876,  p.  127.) 
Kumlien  and  Hollister  say:  "We  have  known  of  at  least  two  in- 
stances of  this  bird  nesting  within  the  state  and  from  specimens  seen 
in  various  parts  of  the  north  and  central  portions  of  the  state,  suspect 
that  at  least  twenty  years  ago  it  bred  in  some  numbers."  (Birds  of 
Wisconsin,  1903,  p,  47.) 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


407 


Genus   PELIDNA   Cuvier. 

118.     Pelidna  alpina  sakhalina  (VIEILL.). 

RED-BACKED  SANDPIPER. 

Tringa  alpina  pacifica  (Coues),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  89. 
Distr.:    North  America  and  eastern  Asia,  breeding  in  the  Arctic 
regions;    south  to  Mexico  and  Central  America,  in  winter. 


Summer.  Red-backed  Sandpiper.  Winter. 

Adult  in  summer:  Bill,  slightly  bent  down  near  the  tip;  the 
feathers  on  the  top  of  the  head  and  back,  bright  rufous  brown,  heavily 
blotched  with  black  on  the  central  part  of  each 
feather;  throat,  whitish;  breast  streaked  with 
black;  belly,  black  on  the  upper  part;  lower 
belly  and  crissum,  white;  bill,  black. 

Adult  in  winter:  Upper  parts,  gray,  slightly 
mottled;  throat,  white;  breast,  gray,  the  shafts 
of  the  feathers  dark  brown;  belly  and  under 
tail  coverts,  pure  white;  a  faint,  dull  white 
superciliary  line. 

Length,  8;  wing,  4.75;  tarsus,  i.io;  bill,  1.65. 

The  Red-backed  Sandpiper  is  abundant  in  May  and  common  in  late 
August  and  September,  during  the  migrations  in  Illinois  and  Wis- 


408     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Genus  EREUNETES  Illiger. 

119.     Ereunetes  pusillus  (LiNN.). 
SEMIPALMATED  SANDPIPER. 

Local  name:  Peep. 

Distr.:  Eastern  North  America,  breeding  north  of  the  United 
States;  south  in  winter  to  the  West  Indies  and  South  America. 

Adult  in  summer:  Heavily  marked  with  dark  brown  and  tawny 
on  the  top  of  the  head  and  back;  forehead,  whitish;  under  parts  and 


Semipalmated    Sandpiper. 

throat,  white;   breast,  mottled  with  grayish;   belly,  white;   toes,  with 
small  web. 

Adult  in  winter:  Upper  parts,  grayish, 
mottled  with  brown  on  the  head,  and  the 
feathers  showing  dark  brown,  edged  with 
white  on  the  back;  throat,  white;  breast, 
very  faintly  washed  with  gray,  which  is  some- 
times very  indistinct;  belly  and  under  tail 
coverts,  white;  toes,  with  small  web. 

Length,  6;  wing,  3.75;  tarsus,  .75;  bill, 
.80. 

Abundant  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin  in  May  and  September  during 
the  migrations.  Occasionally  birds  remain  during  the  summer,  but 
there  is  not  the  slightest  evidence  that  these  ever  breed. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  409 

120.     Ereunetes  mauri  CABANIS. 
WESTERN  SANDPIPER. 

Ereunetes  occidentalis  Lawr.,  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  91. 

Distr.:  Chiefly  western  North  America,  breeding  in  high  latitudes; 
not  uncommon  on  the  Atlantic  coast;  south  in  winter  to  Middle  and 
South  America. 

Adult:  In  summer  plumage  this  species  may  be  distinguished 
from  E.  pusillus  by  its  longer  bill  (which  is  oftentimes  1.25  inches 
in  length,  while  E.  pusillus  rarely,  if  ever,  has  the  bill  one  inch), 
by  its  decidedly  streaked  breast,  and  the  feathers  of  the  back  being 
margined  with  rufous.  The  winter  plumages,  however,  differ  but 
little,  if  any,  and  occasionally  specimens  of  the  Western  Sandpiper 
occur  which  have  the  bill  less  than  one  inch,  and  in  such  cases  it 
is  almost  impossible  to  distinguish  them  from  winter  examples  of 
E.  pusillus;  therefore  it  is  perhaps  as  well  to  consider  all  of  those 
birds  having  bills  less  than  .90  in  length  to  be  E.  pusillus,  and 
if  it  is  important  to  have  the  identification  absolutely  accurate,  they 
could  easily  obtain  the  opinion  of  some  professional  ornithologist  to 
decide  such  a  fine  point. 

Length,  6;  wing,  3.85;  tarsus,  .82;  bill,  .90  to  1.15. 

Common  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin  during  the  migrations,  but 
much  less  numerous  than  the  preceding  species. 


Genus   CALIDRIS   Illiger. 

121.     Calidris  leucophaea  (PALLAS). 

SANDERLING. 

Calidris  arenaria  Linn.,  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  91. 

Distr.:  Northern  hemisphere;  in  America  breeding  in  the  Arctic 
and  subarctic  regions;  south  in  winter  as  far  as  southern  South 
America  (Patagonia ) ,  also  India  and  South  Africa. 

Adult  in  summer:  Head,  throat,  and  upper  parts,  except  rump, 
reddish  brown,  black,  and  white;  throat  and  breast,  pale  'rufous 
brown,  with  more  or  less  dark  spots;  belly  and  under  parts,  pure 
white;  bill  and  feet,  black;  toes,  three. 

Adult  in  winter:  Top  of  the  head  and  back,  ash  gray,  the  shafts 
of  the  feathers  being  brown;  forehead  and  entire  under  parts  white; 
bill,  black. 

Length,  8.10;   wing,  5.05;    tarsus,  i;   bill,  i. 


410     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


The  Sanderling  occurs  more  or  less  commonly  in  Illinois  and  Wis- 
consin during  the  migrations  in  May,  and  again  from  August  to 
October. 

Genus  LIMOSA   Brisson. 

122.     Limosa    fedoa    (LINN.). 
MARBLED  GODWIT. 

Distr.:  Chiefly  interior  of  North  America,  breeding  from  Iowa 
north  to  the  Saskatchewan;  south  in  winter  to  Cuba  and  Central 
America. 

Adult  in  summer:  Bill,  curved  slightly  upward;  upper  parts, 
mottled  with  black  and  tawny;  upper  throat,  white,  rest  of  throat 
finely  streaked  with  brown;  breast,  pale  tawny,  the  feathers  banded 
irregularly  with  brown;  belly,  tawny,  sometimes  without  bands; 
bill,  dull  flesh  color  in  its  basal  half,  the  rest  blackish;  inner  webs 
of  outer  primaries,  speckled  with  black;  tail,  barred  with  black; 
axillars,  irregularly  banded  with  dark  slaty  brown,  in  some  instances 
merely  showing  an  indication  of  bands  but  always  with  more  or  less 
irregular  marks  or  dots  where  the  bands  are  not  perfect. 

Adult  in  winter:  Top  of  the  head,  brown,  streaked  with  pale  brown ; 
feathers  of  the  back,  dark  brown,  edged  with  tawny;  chin,  white; 
throat,  pale  buff,  faintly  barred  with  brown;  inner  webs  of  outer 
primaries,  speckled  with  black. 

Length,  19;   wing,  8.80;   tarsus,  2.80;   bill,  3.50  to  4.50. 

The  Marbled  Godwit  was  once  a  common  species  in  Illinois  and 


[AN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  411 


Marbled  Godwit. 

Wisconsin  during  the  migrations,  but  is  now  rare.  At  the  present 
time  the  few  which  occur  within  our  limits  are  practically  restricted 
to  the  region  along  the  Mississippi  River.  According  to  Kumlien 
and  Hollister  it  was  known  to  nest  on  two  occasions  in  Wisconsin, 
some  fifty  years  ago,  once  near  Stoughton  and  once  near  Lake  Kosh- 
konong.  They  also  state:  "Mr.  H.  Nehrling  gives  it  as  breeding  in 
the  northern  peninsula  of  Michigan  and  it  used  to  nest  in  Iron- County, 
Wisconsin,  and  almost  certainly  along  Green  Bay."  (Birds  of  Wis- 
consin, 1903,  p.  48.) 

i. 
123.     Limosa  haemastica   (LINN.). 

HUDSONIAN  GODWIT. 

Distr.:  Northeastern  North  America;  south  in  winter  throughout 
Middle  and  South  America;  breeds  in  high  latitudes. 

Adult  in  summer:  Upper  parts,  dark  brown,  the  feathers  showing 
spots  of  pale  rufous  brown  on  the  edges;  rump,  white;  tail,  black, 
tipped  with  whitish;  chin,  whitish,  with  pale  rufous;  rest  of  under 


412     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

' 


Hudsonian  Godwit. 

parts,  dark  rufous  brown;  the  feathers  of  the  throat,  more  or  less 
streaked  with  black,  and. the  feathers  of  the  breast  and  belly,  faintly 
edged  with  black;  axillars,  very  dark  slate  color,  almost  black. 

Adult  in  winter:  Upper  plumage,  dull  gray;  feathers  of  the  back, 
more  or  less  edged  with  dark  brown;  chin,  whitish;  breast,  -pale  gray; 
shafts  of  the  feathers  on  the  sides  of  the  breast,  brownish;  belly, 
grayish  buff,  sometimes  buffy  white;  under  tail  coverts,  whitish; 
axillars,  dark,  smoky  gray. 

Length,  15;  wing,  8  to  8.60;  tarsus,  2.40;  bill,  2.80  to  3.40. 

In  former  years  the  Hudsonian  Godwit  was  not  uncommon  in 
Illinois  and  Wisconsin  during  the  migrations,  but  at  the  present 
time  it  is  a  rare  bird,  at  least  east  of  the  g$th  meridian.  It  is  still 
moderately  common  in  Dakota,  Nebraska,  and  Texas  during  the  migra- 
tions, but  its  numbers  are  fast  decreasing.  Mr.  F.  M.  Woodruff 
states  he  killed  a  pair  of  these  birds  at  Grass  Lake,  Illinois,  in  June, 
1892  (Bull.  Chicago  Acad.  Sciences,  No.  6,  1907,  p.  72). 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  — CORY.  413 

Genus  TOTANUS  Bechstein. 
124.     Tetanus  melanoleucus  (Gn  EL.). 

GREATER  YELLOW-LEGS. 

Local  names:  Winter  Yellow-leg.     Stone  Snipe.     Telltale. 

Distr.:  Greater  portion  of  America,  breeding  from  Wisconsin  and, 
perhaps  northern  Illinois,  northward,  and  migrating  south  in  winter 
to  Middle  and  South  America  as  far  as  Chili  and  Argentine  Republic 
and  the  West  Indies. 


Greater  Yellow-legs. 

Adult  in  summer:  Bill,  nearly  straight;  upper  plumage,  mottled 
with  white  and  black;  upper  tail  coverts,  white,  barred  with  black; 
throat,  white,  streaked  with  black;  chin,  whitish;  breast,  white, 
heavily  streaked  with  black;  rest  of  under  parts,  white,  irregularly 
marked  with  black;  middle  of  belly,  nearly  always  pure  white;  bill, 
black,  and  legs,  yellow. 

Adult  in  winter:  Top  of  the  head  and  neck,  streaked  white  and 
dark  brown;  back,  brown,  the  feathers  narrowly  edged  with  whitish; 
chin,  white;  breast,  white,  narrowly  lined  with  dark  brown;  rest  of 
under  parts,  white;  bill,  black,  and  legs,  yellow. 

Length,  14;   wing,  7.75;   tarsus,  2.45;  bill,  2.30. 

This  species  is  a  common  migrant  and  casual  summer  resident  in 
Illinois  and  Wisconsin.  It  may  breed  in  northern  Illinois  and  there 
is  little  doubt  that  it  does  so  in  Wisconsin.  The  clear,  sharp,  whistling 
note,  repeated  rapidly  four  or  five  times,  descending  in  semi-tones 


414     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — -ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

down  the  scale,  is  known  to  "gunners"  throughout  the  land.  Al- 
though not  as  abundant  as  in  former  years,  it  is  still  numerous  in 
many  locations  during  the  migrations. 

Mr.  E.  W.  Nelson  writes:  "A  common  migrant  and  regular  summer 
resident.  Breeds.  Arrives  about  the  middle  of  April,  the  larger 
portion  passing  north  early  in  May.  *  *  *  *  In  June,  1875,  I  found 
several  pairs  of  these  birds  about  the  Calumet  marshes,  where  from 
their  actions  I  was  certain  they  were  breeding,  but  was  not  fortunate 
enough  to  find  their  nests.  The  loth  of  June,  1876,  Mr.  Rice  observed 
a  pair  about  a  prairie  slough  near  Evanston.  A  few  days  later  a  set 
of  four  eggs  were  brought  him  from  a  similar  situation  a  few  miles 
northwest  of  that  place  and  from  the  description  of  the  parent  bird 
—  driven  from  the  nest  —  he  decided  they  must  belong  to  this  species." 
(Birds  N.  E.  Illinois,  1876,  p.  128.)  Regarding  its  occurrence  in  Wis- 
consin, Kumlien  and  Hollister  say:  "A  common  migrant,  spring  and 
fall,  and  also  a  summer  resident.  *  *  *  *  At  Lake  Koshkonong  it 
bred  at  considerable  distance  from  the  lake  far  out  in  the  miry 
marshes  and  did  not  often  visit  the  lake  shore  until  the  young  were 
nearly  full  grown."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  49.)  They  also 
state  that  downy  young  were  orocured  by  L.  Kumlien  near  Minnesota 
Junction  in  1882. 

The  nest  is  composed  of  grass  on  the  ground.  The  eggs  are  four, 
pale  brown  or  buff  color,  spotted  and  marked  with  dark  brown. 
They  measure  about  1.45  x  1.20  inches. 

125.     Tetanus  flavipes  (GMEL.). 
YELLOW-LEGS. 

Local  names:  Summer  Yellow-legs.     Little  Telltale. 

Distr.:  North  America,  south  in  winter  to  South  America, 
breeds  chiefly  north  of  the  United  States;  more  common  in  eastern 
than  in  western  North  America. 

Adult:  Upper  parts,  grayish  brown,  mottled  with  whitish  on  the 
back;  chin,  white;  throat,  white,  streaked  with  pale  grayish  brown; 
breast,  mottled;  belly,  white;  tail  feathers,  banded  brown  and  white; 
upper  tail  coverts,  white,  more  or  less  barred  with  black;  axillars, 
white,  barred  with  brown;  bill,  black;  legs,  yellow. 

Resembles  the  Greater  Yellow-legs,  but  is  smaller. 

Length,  10.80;    wing,  6.45;    tarsus,  2.10;    bill,  1.45. 

This  species  is  still  common  during  the  migrations  in  Illinois  and 
Wisconsin,  and  a  few  remain  during  the  summer;  but  non-breeding 
or  wounded  birds  of  many  species  are  found  far  south  of  their  usual 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  415 

range  during  the  summer  months  and  the  fact  that  they  are  in  breed- 
ing plumage  is  not  sufficient  evidence  that  they  are  nesting.  That 
a  few  may  do  so,  however,  is  shown  by  Nelson's  statement  in  his  Birds 
of  N.  E.  Illinois  (Bull.  Essex  Inst.,  VIII,  1876,  p.  128)  where  he  says: 
"A  few  breed.  I  obtained  the  young  barely  able  to  fly  near  a  prairie 
slough  the  first  of  July,  1874,  a  few  miles  from  Chicago,  and  have 
since  observed  several  pairs  during  the  breeding  season  about  the  Calu- 
met marshes."  Kumlien  and  Hollister  state:  "Formerly  bred  at 
Lake  Koshkonong,  Horicon  Lake,  about  Lake  Pacana,  and  presum- 
ably in  other  localities.  *  *  *  *  *  *  Young  still  unable  to  fly  are 
yet  obtainable  about  Lake  Koshkonong  in  July,  but  of  late  years 
not  commonly."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  49.) 

The  eggs  are  three  or  four,  pale  brown  or  buff,  irregularly  marked 
with  dark  brown,  and  measure  about  1.70  x  1.15. 


Genus   HELODROMAS  Kaup. 

126.     Helodromas  solitarius  (WiLs.). 

SOLITARY  SANDPIPER. 

Totanus  solitarius  (Wils.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  94. 
Distr.:  North  America,  chiefly  east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains;  south 
in  winter  to  Argentine   Republic  and   Peru;    breeds  from  northern 
United  States  northward. 

Adult  in  summer:    Top  of  head  and  back,  and 
upper  tail  coverts,  bronzy  green,  dotted  with  white; 
under  parts,  white;  the  breast,   thickly  streaked 
Axiiiars.  an(j  dotted  brown ;   bill,  greenish  brown  (in  life), 

dusky,  terminally;    axillars,  white,  heavily  barred  with  smoky  black. 

Adult  in  winter:  Upper  parts,  including  upper  tail  coverts, 
olive  brown,  showing  a  faint,  greenish  gloss  when  held  in  the  light, 
the  feathers  faintly  dotted  with  dull  white;  throat,  white;  breast, 
streaked  with  brown;  rest  of  under  parts,  white;  axillars,  heavily 
barred. 

Length,  8.50;   wing,  5.30;   tarsus,  1.20;   bill,  1.30. 
The  Solitary  Sandpiper  is  a  rather  common  migrant  in  Illinois 
and  Wisconsin  and  a  casual  summer  resident  in  both  states,  frequent- 
ing the  shores  of  the  rivers  and  ponds.     Although  the  eggs  have  never 
been  taken  within  our  limits  it  undoubtedly  breeds. 

Nelson  writes  (Birds  of  N.  E.  Illinois,  1876,  p.  129):  "Common 
migrant.  Arrives  about  the  first  of  May  and  remains  until  about  the 


4i6     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

25th,  when  the  majority  go  further  north.  I  have  several  times  taken 
young  of  this  species  just  able  to  fly  and  I  have  observed  the  adults 
throughout  the  breeding  season.  I  do  not  think  there  is  the  slightest 
doubt  of  its  breeding  in  this  vicinity."  Kumlien  and  Hollister  say: 
"There  is  no  Wisconsin  bird  of  which  we  have  so  diligently  and 
systematically  sought  the  eggs  and  without  success  as  this  Sandpiper. 
Numbers  of  times  we  have  found  the  young  just  hatched  and  judging 
from  the  actions  of  the  parents,  have  often  been  near  the  eggs." 
(Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  50.) 

Genus   CATOPTROPHORUS   Bonap. 
127.     Catoptrophorus  semipalmatus   (GMEL.). 

WlLLET. 

Symphemia  semipalmata  (Gmel.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  94. 

Distr.:  Eastern  North  America,  from  New  Jersey  (rarely  Maine) 
to  Florida;  south  in  winter  to  West  Indies  and  eastern  South  America 
to  Brazil. 

Adult  in  summer:  Upper  plumage,  gray,  streaked  on  the  head 
with  dark  brown,  and  the  central  portion  of  many  of  the  feathers  has 
the  back  blotched  with  brown;  chin,  white;  throat,  white,  dotted 


Willet. 

with  brown;  under  parts,  dull  white,  the  feathers  on  the  sides  barred 
with  brown  and  washed  with  tawny;  axillars,  black;  bill,  bluish, 
dusky  toward  end;  middle  tail  feathers,  ashy,  indistinctly  barred  with 
blackish. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  417 

Adult  in  winter:  Bill,  nearly  straight;  upper  plumage,  gray,  show- 
ing indications  of  grayish  white  on  the  tips  of  some  of  the  feathers 
on  the  back;  chin,  whitish;  throat,  ashy  gray;  the  rest  of  under  parts, 
white,  showing  ashy  on  the  sides  of  the  body;  axillars,  smoky  black. 
The  broad,  white  band  on  the  wings  is  a  distinguishing  character  of 
this  bird  when  flying. 

Length,  15.00;  wing,  8.10;  tarsus,  2.30;  bill,  2  to  2.30. 

This  species  has  been  given  by  various  authors  as  occurring  in 
Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  but  we  have  very  little  definite  information 
concerning  it,  on  account  of  the  comparative  rarity  of  Willets  in  this 
region  together  with  the  fact  that  both  forms  are  considered  the 
same  by  the  average  sportsman.  All  specimens  taken  within  our 
limits  which  I  have  examined  proved  to  be  inornatus. 

Ridgway  writes  that  he  is  unable  to  state  whether  or  not  semi- 
palmatus occurs  in  Illinois.  Nelson,  of  course,  considered  them  all 
semipalmatus,  as  at  that  time  (1876)  the  two  forms  had  not  been 
separated.  A.  J.  Cook  (Birds  of  Michigan,  1893,  p.  61)  includes  this 
species  as  a  "rare  summer  resident"  and  does  not  mention  inornatus. 
A.  W.  Butler  (Birds  of  Indiana,  1897)  gives  both  semipalmatus  and 
inornatus  as  rare  migrants,  possibly  rare  summer  residents.  W.  W. 
Cooke  (Bird  Migration  Mississippi  Valley,  1888,  p.  96)  does  not 
mention  semipalmatus,  but  gives  inornatus.  Kumlien  and  Hollister 
(Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  50)  include  this  species  as  "A  rare  wader 
in  Wisconsin,"  but  suggest  that  inornatus  might  occur  in  the  state 
"if  only  as  a  rare  straggler  during  migrations." 

I27a.     Catoptrophorus  semipalmatus  inornatus  (BREWST.). 

WESTERN  WILLET. 
Symphemia  semipalmata  inornata  Brewst.,  A.  O.  U.  Check  List, 

l895>  P-  95- 

Distr.:  Western  North  America,  east  to  Mississippi  Valley  and 
Gulf  states  and  casual  on  southern  Atlantic  coast;  south  in  winter 
to  Mexico;  breeds  from  Texas  to  Manitoba. 

Adult:  The  Western  Willet  is  very  similar  to  the  eastern  form, 
but  may  be  distinguished  from  it  in  summer  plumage  by  the  absence 
of  the  bars  on  the  middle  tail  feathers.  Size,  slightly  larger;  wing, 
about  8.50;  tarsus,  about  2.50  inches;  middle  tail  feathers,  without 
bars.  In  winter  plumage,  the  two  forms  can  not  be  distinguished 
with  any  certainty. 

This  form  occurs  in  Illinois  and  probably  Wisconsin,  but  is  by  no 


418     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

means  common.  There  are  numerous  records  for  Illinois.  Butler 
(Birds  of  Indiana,  1897)  states  that  Mr.  F.  M.  Woodruff  obtained 
five  from  a  flock  of  eight  at  Millers  (Ind. ),  August  14,  1897.  W.  W. 
Cooke  (Bird  Migration  Mississippi  Valley,  1888,  p.  96)  gives  this 
form  and  does  not  mention  semipalmatus.  He  says:  "Occurs  during 
migration  throughout  the  Mississippi  Valley.  *  *  *  *  It  breeds 
throughout  Illinois.  *  *  *  *  It  was  seen  at  Chicago,  111.,  May  i3th, 
though  of  course  this  record  must  not  be  considered  that  of  first 
arrival." 

The  eggs  are  deposited  in  a  depression  in  the  sand.  They  are 
from  3  to  4  in  number,  pale  yellowish  brown  or  buff  color,  marked 
with  chocolate  brown  chiefly  at  the  larger  end,  and  measure  about 
2.10  x  1.56  inches. 

Genus   BARTRAMIA  Lesson. 
128.     Bartramia  longicauda  (BECHST.). 

BARTRAMIAN  SANDPIPER. 
Local  names:  Upland  Plover.     Field  Plover. 

Distr.:  North  America,  mainly  east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains,  north 
to  Nova  Scotia  and  Alaska,  breeding  throughout  most  of  its  North 
American  range;  south  in  winter  to  Brazil  and  Peru. 

Adult  in  summer:  Upper  plumage,  dark  brown,  or  brownish  black, 
the  feathers  edged  with  pale  buff;  upper  throat,  white;  lower  throat, 


Bartramian  Sandpiper. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  419 

pale  buff,  lined  with  dark  brown;  breast,  pale  buff,  with  arrow-shaped 
markings  of  dark  brown;  belly,  pale  buff;  axillars,  banded  with  dark 
slaty  brown  and  white;  outer  primaries,  white,  banded  with  brown 
on  the  inner  webs. 

Adult  in  winter:  Similar,  but  paler. 

Length,  11.75;    wing.  6.60;    tarsus,  1.90;    bill,  1.20. 

A  summer  resident  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  formerly  very  abun- 
dant, but  now  only  moderately  common  and  becoming  less  so  every 
year. 

The  nest  is  placed  on  the  ground  usually  in  a  field  or  pasture.  The 
eggs  are  4  or  5,  buff  white,  spotted  with  reddish  brown,  the  markings 
heavier  and  more  numerous  at  the  larger  end.  They  measure  1.80 
x  1.25  inches. 

Genus  TRYNGITES  Cabanis. 

129.     Tryngites  subruficollis  (VIEILL.). 

BUFF-BREASTED    SANDPIPER. 

Distr.:  General  North  America,  more  common  in  the  interior; 
breeds  from  Alaska  and  British  America  northward;  south  in  winter 
to  South  America  as  far  as  Peru  and  Uraguay;  not  common  in  eastern 
United  States. 

Adult  in  summer:  Upper  plumage,  buff,  mottled  with  black; 
the  feathers  on  the  back,  black,  edged  with  buff;  under  parts  have  a 
mottled  buff  and  white  appear- 
ance, caused  by  the  exposed  por- 
tion of  the  feathers  being  buff, 
narrowly  tipped  with  white ;  the  First  Primary. 

feathers  are  dark  slate-color  at  base,  but  the  slate-color  is  entirely 
concealed;  inner  web  of  first  primary,  white,  speckled  with  dark  brown; 
the  inner  primaries  and  secondaries,  narrowly  tipped  with  white,  show- 
ing a  sub-terminal  band  of  black;  axillars,  white. 

Adult  in  winter:  Similar,  but  paler. 

Length,  8;  wing,  5.30;   tarsus,  1.25;  bill,  .85. 

The  Buff-breasted  Sandpiper  is  usually  a  rather  rare  migrant  in 
Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  although  in  one  instance  at  least,  it  was 
abundant  in  one  locality. 

W.  W.  Cook  writes:  "Dr.  A.  K.  Fisher  tells  me  that  in  August, 
1874,  he  saw  hundreds  of  Buff-breasted  Sandpipers  on  the  dry  prairie 
at  May  wood,  Cook  County,  111.,  only  ten  miles  from  Chicago  and  that 
he  shot- numbers  of  them."  (Report  Bird  Migration  Mississippi  Valley, 
1888,  p.  97.)  Mr.  Wm.  A.  Bryan  mentions  a  specimen  taken  near 


420     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Calumet  Lake,  Cook  Co.,  111.,  Sept.  1898.  (The  Auk,  Vol.  XVI,  1899, 
p.  276.)  It  has  occasionally  been  taken  in  Wisconsin,  but  Kumlien 
and  Hollister  consider  it  a  "rare  migrant." 


Genus  ACTITIS  Illiger. 
1 30.     Actitis  macularia  (LINN.)  . 

SPOTTED  SANDPIPER. 

Distr.:  North  and  South  America,  from  Alaska  to  the  West 
Indies,  Middle  America  and  Brazil;  breeds  throughout  temperate 
North  America. 

Adult  in  summer:  Top  of  the  head  and  back,  olive  green,  showing 
bronzy  reflections  when  held  in  the  light ;  some  of  the  feathers  on  the 
back  irregularly  marked  with  brown;  under  parts,  white,  marked 
with  large,  round  black  spots. 


Spotted  Sandpiper. 


Winter. 


Adult  in  winter:  Above,  olive,  showing  a  faint  bronzy  luster 
when  held  in  the  light;  feathers  on  the  back,  faintly  tipped  with 
dusky;  wing  coverts,  narrowly  banded  with  tawny;  throat,  white; 
breast,  faintly  tinged  with  ashy;  under  parts,  including  belly  and 
under  tail  coverts,  white;  mandible  and  edge  of  the  maxilla,  pale 
wax  yellow  (in  life),  rest  of  bill,  black. 

Length,  8;   wing,  4.20;   tarsus,  i;   bill,  i. 

This  well  known  species  is  a  very  common  summer  resident  in 
Illinois  and  Wisconsin  and  breeds  in  suitable  localities.  It  is  often 
seen  along  the  banks  of  rivers  and  ponds.  The  nest  is  at  times  a 
slight  structure  of  grass,  while  at  others  it  is  a  mere  depression  in  the 
ground  with  a  little  loose  grass  and  leaves. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  — CORY. 


421 


The  eggs  are  four,  buff  white  or  cream  white,  spotted  with  choco- 
late brown  more  pronounced  at  the  larger  end.  They  measure  about 
1.30  x  .95  inches.  There  are  several  sets  in  the  Field  Museum  collec- 
tion taken  in  northern  Illinois  between  June  8th  and  i6th,  and  a  set 
from  Oconto  County,  Wisconsin,  taken  June  n,  1889. 


Genus  NUMENIUS   Brisson. 


Long-billed  Curlew.  Eskimo  Curlew.  Hudsonian  Curlew. 

131.     Numenius  americanus  BECHSTEIN. 
LONG-BILLED  CURLEW. 

Numenius   longirostris  Wils.,  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  P-  97- 

Local  name:  Sickle-bill. 

Distr.:  Temperate  North  America,  migrating  south  as  far  as  Ja- 
maica and  Guatemala,  in  winter;  breeds  in  the  south  Atlantic  states 
and  in  the  interior  throughout  most  of  its  North  American  range. 

Adult  in  summer:  Upper  parts,  marked  with  buff  and  black; 
tail  feathers,  alternately  banded  with  tawny  buff  and  brown;  throat, 


422     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

whitish;  rest  of  under  parts,  pale  reddish  brown,  becoming  very  light 
on  the  belly;  breast,  narrowly  striped  with  brown  on  the  middle  of  the 
feathers;  bill,  very  long;  axillars,  rufous  brown. 


Axillars  and  first  primary  of  Long-billed  Curlew. 


Adult  in  winter:  General  plumage,  tawny  brown;  the  back, 
blackish,  mottled  with  buff;  top  of  the  head,  dark  brown;  the  feathers 
edged  with  tawny;  throat,  white;  under  parts,  pale  buff  brown; 
feathers  on  the  lower  throat  and  upper  breast,  finely  lined  with  dark 
brown;  bill,  very  long  and  curved  downward;  bill,  black,  becoming 
dull  lilac  brown  on  basal  half  of  the  mandible;  axillars,  rufous  brown. 

Length,  26;  wing,  10.50;  tarsus,  2.30;  bill,  very  variable,  meas- 
uring from  2.3  to  9. 

The  immature  of  this  species  has  the  bill  nearly  straight,  but  quite 
short,  sometimes  not  exceeding  two  inches  in  length. 

The  Long-billed  Curlew  was  once  a  common  migrant  in  Illinois 
and  Wisconsin,  but  is  now  rather  rare. 

Mr.  Nelson  states  that  a  pair  nested  on  the  Calumet  Marshes, 
near  Chicago,  in  1873.  ^  arrives  about  the  last  of  April  and  leaves 
for  the  south  early  in  October.  According  to  Kumlien  and  Hollister, 
it  was  once  very  abundant  in  Wisconsin  and  bred  in  numbers.  They 
say:  "As  an  illustration  of  the  former  numbers  of  the  curlew,  Mr. 
Skavlem  tells  of  his  boyhood  experiences  in  the  early  fifties  when  he 
was  set  to  following  the  plows  when  breaking  up  the  virgin  prairie 
sod  and  gathering  up  the  eggs  for  the  house."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin, 
1903,  p.  52.) 

The  eggs  of  the  Long-billed  Curlew  are  three  or  four  in  number, 
grayish  green  or  pale  olive  buff,  blotched  and  marked  with  chocolate 
brown,  and  measure  about  2.55  x  1.85  inches. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  423 

132.     Numenius  hudsonicus  LATH. 
HUDSONIAN  CURLEW. 

Local  name:  Jack  Curlew. 

Distr.:  All  of  North  and  South  America,  including  the  West 
Indies;  breeds  in  the  far  north;  winters  chiefly  south  of  the  United 
States. 

Adult  in  summer:  Bill,  curved  downward,  top  of  the  head,  brown, 
with  a  stripe  of  buffy  white  through  the  middle;  rest  of  upper  parts, 
dark  brown;  feathers,  pale  on  the  edges,  giving  a  slightly  mottled 
appearance  to  the  back;  chin,  white;  throat  and  breast,  streaked 
and  faintly  barred  with  brown  and  white;  belly,  dull  white;  an  imper- 
fect superciliary  stripe;  axillars,  pale  buff,  barred  with  slaty  brown; 
first  primary,  barred  on  inner  web. 


First   p 


Adult  in  winter:  Similar  to  the  last,  but  showing  much  more 
tawny,  mottled  on  the  upper  parts,  and  the  under  parts,  paler;  a 
superciliary  stripe  of  dull  white;  axillars,  pale  buff,  barred  with  slaty 
brown;  first  primary,  barred  on  inner  web. 

Length,  17.50;  wing,  9.20;  tarsus,  2.30;  bill,  3  to  3. 75. 
Although   once   common,  the    Hudsonian   Curlew  is  now  a  rare 
bird  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin  during  the  migrations. 

». 

133.     Numenius  borealis  (FoRST.). 
ESKIMO  CURLEW. 

Local  name:  Dough  Bird. 

Distr.:  Eastern  North  America,  breeding  in  high  arctic  latitudes; 
south  in  winter  to  southern  South  America. 

Adult  in  summer:  Bill,  curved  downward;  general  plumage  above, 


424     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

mottled  black  and  tawny;  chin,  whitish;  throat  and  under  parts, 
tawny  buff,  marked  on  the  throat  with  dark  brown,  and  on  the  breast 
with  arrow-like  brown  markings;  flank  and  sides  of  the  body,  tawny, 
the  arrow-like  marks  being  much  heavier  and  larger;  top  of  the  head 
showing  no  central  stripe  of  buffy  white;  inner  web  of  first  primary, 
without  bars;  axillars,  barred  with  slaty  brown. 


First  primary.  Axillars. 

Eskimo    Curlew. 

Adult  in  winter:  Lacking  the  tawny  color  of  the  summer  plumage; 
more  whitish  on  the  under  parts,  otherwise  the  markings  being  similar. 

Length,  13;  wing,  8.10;  tarsus,  2;  bill,  2. 7 5  to  3. 50. 

The  Eskimo  Curlew  may  still  occur  during  the  migrations  in  Wis- 
consin and  Illinois,  but  is  becoming  very  rare  and  the  species  is  appar- 
ently fast  disappearing.  Prefers  the  fields  and  highlands  to  the 
marshes.  Formerly  abundant  and  as  late  as  1895  it  was  not  un- 
common in  some  localities. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  425 


Family    CHARADRIID^.      Plovers. 

Most  Plovers  are  gregarious.  They  vary  considerably  in  their 
habits  in  different  species ;  some  prefer  the  beaches  and  marshes  while 
others  frequent  the  fields  and  plains.  Of  the  hundred  or  more  known 
species,  15  occur  in  North  America  and  9  in  the  eastern  United  States. 
Their  flesh  is  excellent,  especially  in  the  fall,  when  they  are  usually 
very  fat. 


Black-bellied  Plover  (winter).  Piping  Plover.  Semipalmated  Plover. 


Genus  SQUATAROLA  Cuvier. 
134.     Squatarola   squatarola  (LINN.). 
BLACK-BELLIED  PLOVER. 

Charadrius  squatarola  (Linn.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  99. 

Local  names:  Beetle-head.     Black-breast. 

Distr.:  Nearly  cosmopolitan,  chiefly  in  northern  hemisphere; 
breeds  in  the  far  north;  south  in  winter  to  the  West  Indies,  Brazil, 
and  Colombia. 

Adult  male  in  summer:  Upper  parts,  smoky  black;  feathers, 
edged  with  dull  white;  breast  and  most  of  belly,  black  in  highest 


426     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Black-bellied  Plover  (summer  plumage). 

plumage,  but  usually  showing  traces  of  whitish  on  the  feathers; 
abdomen  and  under  tail  coverts,  white;  forehead,  white;  axillars, 
smoky  black. 

Adult  in  winter:  Throat  and  breast,  not 
black;  upper  plumage,  brownish,  mottled  with 
gray;  under  parts,  white;  breast  and  sides, 
streaked  with  ashy  brown;  bill,  black;  under 
parts  sometimes  showing  traces  of  blackish, 
but  not  black;  as  in  the  breeding  plumage. 
Unlike  our  other  Plover  this  species  has  a 
rudimentary  hind  toe.  Black-bellied  Plover. 

Length,  11.25;  wmg>  7-45!  tarsus,  1.85;  bill,  i.io. 

The  Black-bellied  Plover  is  more  or  less  common  in  Illinois  and 
Wisconsin  during  the  migrations.  As  is  the  case  with  a  number  of 
species,  a  few  non-breeding  birds  remain  throughout  the  summer. 
The  black  axillary  plumes  and  rudimentary  hind  toe  are  good 
distinguishing  characters  in  any  plumage. 

Genus  CHARADRIUS  Linn. 

135.     Charadrius  dominicus  MULL. 

AMERICAN  GOLDEN  PLOVER. 

Local  names:  Green  Plover.     Prairie  Pigeon. 

Distr.:  Arctic  America  (except  the  shores  of  Bering  Sea),  mi- 
grating through  North  America  to  southern  South  America,  in  winter; 
breeds  in  the  far  north. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


427 


Adult  in  summer:  Back  and  upper  parts,  smoky  black,  feathers 
marked  and  edged  with  yellow  and  brown ;  sides  of  the  breast,  whitish ; 
rest  of  under  parts,  throat,  and  sides  of  the  head,  including  eye,  black; 
forehead,  whitish,  a  white  stripe  extending  backwards  over  the  eye 
and  down  the  sides  of  the  neck;  bill,  black;  axillars,  gray. 


plumage. 


American  Golden  Plover.  Fall  and  winter  plumage. 


Adult  in  winter:  Upper  parts,  brownish,  feathers  marked  with 
dull  tawny  yellow  or  buff;  under  parts  are  dull  white,  streaked  with 
ashy  brown  or  gray  on  the  breast  and  sides. 

Length,  10.25;   wing.  7i   tarsus,  1.55;   bill,  .92. 

This  species  may  be  distinguished  from  the  Black-bellied  Plover 
in  any  plumage  by  its  gray  axillars  and  the  absence  of  the  rudimentary 
hind  toe. 

The  Golden  Plover  was  at  one  time  abundant  and  is  still  more  or 
less  common  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin  during  the  migrations.  Arrives 
from  the  south  the  latter  part  of  April  and  from  the  north  in 
September.  As  is  the  case  with  others  of  its  family,  its  numbers  are 
decreasing  year  by  year. 


Genus  OXYECHUS  Reich. 

* 
136.     Oxyechus  vociferus  (LINN.). 

KILLDEER  PLOVER. 

ALgialitis  vocifera  (Linn.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  100. 

Distr.:  Temperate  North  America;  south  in  winter  to  the  West 
Indies,  Middle  America,  and  South  America;  breeding  throughout 
its  North  American  range  as  far  north  as  Newfoundland  and  Mani- 
toba. 


428     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Adult:  Crown  and  back,  brownish  gray,  feathers  tipped  with 
rufous;  a  ring  around  the  neck,  lores,  and  a  patch  on  the  breast, 

black;  forehead,  white;  throat 
and  spot  behind  the  eye  and 
a    band    around    the     neck, 
white;  lower  breast  and  belly, 
white;  tail  coverts  and  rump, 
bright  rufous;  tail,  rufous  and 
gray,  tipped  with  black  and  white;  bill, 
black. 

Length,  10.65;  wmg>  6.55;  tarsus, 
1.40;  bill,  .75. 

This  species  is  a  common  summer 
resident  in  Wisconsin  and  Illinois,  breed- 
ing in  suitable  localities.  It  arrives  in 
March  and  remains  until  cold  weather 

Killdeer  Plover. 

sets  in.     It  breeds  in  April  and  May. 

The  nest  is  merely  a  depression  in  the  ground  with,  at  times,  a 
slight  lining  of  grass.  The  eggs  are  usually  four,  pyriform  in  shape, 
dull  white,  blotched  and  spotted  with  chocolate  brown,  more  numer- 
ous at  the  larger  end,  and  measure  1.65  x  1.15  inches. 


Genus  T^GIALITIS   Boie. 
137.     ^gialitis  semipalmata  BONAP. 
SEMIPALMATED  PLOVER. 

Local  name:  Ring-neck. 

Distr.:  Arctic  and  subarctic  America,  breeding  from  Labrador 
northward,  migrating  south  to  the  West  Indies,  Brazil,  Peru,  and  the 
Galapagos  Islands,  in  winter. 

Adult  in  summer:   Forehead,  white,  suc- 

^  "^l^^k.  ceeded  by   a  band  of  black;    rest  of  head, 

^^HHj        \  back,  and  wings,  ashy  gray;   a  dull  stripe  of 

foj  blackish  passing  from  the  bill  under  the  eye 

to  the  sides  of  the  neck;    a  small  patch  of 

•j^jff*'  "•  white   back  of  the  eye;    a  broad  band  of 

black  on  the  breast;     rest   of  under  parts, 

white;    throat,  white,  extending  around  the 

neck  and  joining  at  the  back  in  a  very  narrow 

stripe;   secondaries,  tipped  with  white;   bill, 

black,  orange  at  the  base;  a  bright  orange  ring 

semipaimated  Plover.          around  the  eye  ]  toes  webbed  at  base. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  429 

Adult  in  winter:  Similar,  but  the  black  marking  replaced  by 
brownish  or  gray. 

Length,  6.80;  wing,  4.75;  tarsus,  .93;   bill,  .50. 

The  Semipalmated  Plover  or  "Ring-neck"  is  common  in  Illinois 
and  Wisconsin  during  migrations  and  a  few  birds  remain  during  the 
summer.  Mr.  Nelson  obtained  specimens  near  Chicago,  July  ist. 

Kumlien  and  Hollister  state:  "Numbers  remain  about  the  larger 
lakes  and  Lake  Michigan  during  the  summer.  We  procured  the  young 
still  unable  to  fly  at  Lake  Koshkonong  on  one  occasion."  (Birds  of 
Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  54. )  It  will  be  noted  that  the  nest  and  eggs  have 
not  actually  been  found. 


138.     jEgialitis  meloda  (ORD). 
PIPING  PLOVER. 

Local  name:  White  Ring-neck. 

Distr.:  Eastern  North  America,  breeding  from  northern  Illinois  and 
Virginia  northward  to  Labrador,  Newfoundland,  Lake  Winnipeg, 
and  Assiniboia. 

Adult  in  summer:  Upper  parts,  ashy;  forehead,  white,  separated 
from  the  ash  color  of  the  head  by  a  narrow  patch  of  black;  a  band  on 

the  side  of  the  breast,  black;  under 
parts  and  a  ring  around  the  neck, 
white. 

Adult  in  winter:  Similar  to  the 
summer  plumage,  but  the  black 
marking  replaced  by  grayish  buff, 
or  ashy  gray,  instead  of  black;  bill, 
orange  at  base,  tipped  with  black. 
*jr  V  Length,  7.20;  wing,  4.80;  tar- 

sus, .90;   bill,  .50 

The  Piping  Plover  occurs  more 

Piping  Plover. 

or  less  commonly  during  the  mi- 
grations in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  and  a  few  remain  as  summer 
residents  and  breed. 

Nelson  found  it  breeding  commonly  on  the  flat,  pebbly  beach 
between  the  sand  dunes  and  the  shore  of  Lake  Michigan.  Mr.  John  F. 
Ferry  procured  young  birds  unable  to  fly  at  Beach,  Lake  County, 
Illinois,  in  June,  1906,  and  Mr.  F  M.  Woodruff  found  it  breeding  and 
took  a  set  of  eggs  at  Millers,  Indiana,  June  13,  1902  (Birds  of  the 
Chicago  Area,  1907,  p.  81).  Kumlien  and  Hollister  state  that  it 
formerly  bred  in  Wisconsin,  about  Lake  Koshkonong  and  near  She- 


'"  JSfc 


430     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

boygan  on  the  Lake  shore,  but  is  now  almost  entirely  absent,  except 
a  limited  number  during  migrations  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  54). 
The  nest  is  merely  a  depression  in  the  sand.  The  eggs  are  three 
or  four  in  number,  cream  white,  speckled  with  chocolate  brown. 
They  measure  about  1.25  x  .96  inches.  The  subspecies  A.  m.  cir- 
cumcincta  is  no  longer  recognized  as  separable. 


Family      APHRIZID^.        Surf     Birds     and 
Turnstones. 

Three  of  the  four  known  species  are  found  in  North  America,  but 
only  one  is  known  to  occur  in  Illinois.  They  are  plover-like  in 
appearance,  frequenting  the  beaches  and  sand  flats  in  company  with 
other  waders.  The  name  Turnstone  is  supposed  to  be  derived  from  the 
habit  of  turning  over  small  stones  while  searching  for  food. 


Subfamily   ARENARIIN^E.      Turnstones. 

Genus  ARENARIA    Brisson. 
139.     Arenaria  interpres  morinella  (LINN.). 
TURNSTONE. 

Arenaria  interpres  (Linn.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  103. 

Local  names:  Calico-back.     Brant  Bird. 

Dist.:  Northern  North  America,  chiefly  east  of  the  Mackenzie 
River  basin,  breeding  in  high  latitudes;  south  to  Patagonia  in  winter; 
rare  on  the  Pacific  coast. 

Adult  in  summer:  General  upper  parts,  mottled  and  variegated 
with  black,  white,  rufous  and  tawny;  throat  and  breast,  black  and 
white;  rest  of  under  parts,  white;  tail,  with  subterminal  band  of 
black,  tipped  with  white. 

Adult  in  winter:   Above,  light,   streaked    and   dashed  with  dark 
brown;   an    imperfect    band  of  dark  brown    on    the 
jugulum;    chin  and  upper  part  of  the  throat,  white; 
sides  of  breast,  like  the  back;  rest  of  the  under  parts, 
white;  a   distinct    white   band    on  the  wing;   rump, 
white,    but    with  a  broad    patch  of    black    on    the 
upper  tail  coverts;  tail,  dark  brown,   the  tips  and  basal  half  of  the 
inner  feathers,  and  nearly  two-thirds   of  the  outer   feathers,   white; 
legs,  reddish  orange;  bill,  black. 


JAN.,  1909.      BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


*    ^"•* 


Length,  8.65;   wing,  5.70;   tail,  2.60;   tarsus,  i;   bill,  .95. 

The  Turnstone  is  not  uncommon  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin  dur- 
ing the  migrations,  principally  on  the  shores  of  Lake  Michigan.  It 
has  received  its  name  from  the  manner  in  which  it  turns  over  small 
pebbles  and  shells  while  searching  for  the  small  crustaceans  and  in- 
sects upon  which  it  feeds. 


LAND  BIRDS. 


ORDER    GALLING. 

GALLINACEOUS    BIRDS. 
Suborder    PHASIANI.      Pheasants,  Grouse,    Partridges,  etc. 

Family  TETRAONIDvE.    Grouse,  Partridges, 

etc. 

This  large  family  contains  nearly  two  hundred  species,  represented 
in  eastern  North  America  by  two  subfamilies;  the  Perdicina  or 
"Quail"  and  Partridges,  and  the  Tetraonina,  the  Grouse,  Ptarmigan, 
etc.  Some,  like  the  Prairie  Hen,  frequent  open  plains  and  fields, 
while  others,  like  the  Ruffed  Grouse,  prefer  the  woods.  With  few 
exceptions  they  are  not  migratory.  After,  the  nesting  season  they 
are  found  in  flocks  or  "covies." 


Subfamily   PERDICIN^.      Quail  and  Partridges. 

Genus  COLINUS  Lesson. 
140.     Colinus  virginianus   (LiNN.). 
QUAIL  *  OR  BOB-WHITE. 

Distr. :  Eastern  United  States,  from  southern  Maine  and  southern 
Ontario  to  the  Gulf  states.  Has  been  introduced  in  a  number  of 
western  states,  California,  New  Mexico,  Oregon,  etc. 

Adult  male:  Throat,  white,  bordered  by  black  mixed  with  chest- 
nut and  white  on  sides  of  the  neck;  a  stripe  of  white  from  the  fore- 
head over  the  eye;  a  streak  of  black  below  the  eye,  separating  it  from 
the  white  throat;  under  parts,  dull  white,  the  feathers  with  narrow 
bands  of  black;  sides  of  the  body  streaked  with  chestnut ;  feathers  of 
the  upper  back,  pale  chestnut  brown,  bordered  with  gray,  showing 

*  Although  birds  belonging  to  the  genus  Colinus  are  not  true  ''Quail"  from  a  scientific 
standpoint,  they  are  so  widely  known  and  generally  recognized  by  that  name  it  seems  undesirable 
to  change  it. 

432 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  — CORY.  433 


narrow  dusky  bars;    primaries,  grayish  brown;    crown  showing  more 
or  less  black  mixed  with  chestnut  brown;   bill,  black. 

Adult  female:  Similar,  but  has  the  throat  and  the  line  over  the 
eye  tawny  buff  instead  of  white,  and  little  or  no  black  on  the  breast. 

Length,  about  10;   wing,  about  4.50;   bill,  about  .45;   tarsus,  i. 

This  species  is  a  common  resident  throughout  Illinois  and  Wiscon- 
sin, except  in  the  northern  part  of  the  latter  state.  It  is  found  in 
small  flocks  and  is  terrestrial,  although  when  frightened  will  occasion- 
ally alight  in  trees.  The  note  is  a  clear  loud  whistle,  crudely  described 
as  hu-hui  or  hu-huit,  which  by  a  slight  effort  of  the  imagination  is 
supposed  to  sound  like  the  words  Bob-white.  The  loud  notes  are 
often  preceded  by  a  short  low  one,  which  can  only  be  heard  at  a  com- 
paratively short  distance. 

It  breeds  throughout  its  range,  nidification  commencing  about  the 
first  of  May.  The  nest  is  on  the  ground,  usually  in  open  places,  such 
as  grassy  fields.  The  eggs  are  white  or  creamy  white,  and  number 
from  10  to  15  (occasionally  more);  they  measure  about  1.20  x  .95 
inches. 

Specimens  are  often  taken  in  southern  Illinois,  which  are  somewhat 
dark  and  small  and  which  are  apparently  intermediate  between  C. 
virginianus  and  the  Florida  form  C.  v.  floridanus. 


434     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Prairie  Hen.  Ruffed  Grouse.  Quail. 

(Illustrating  comparative  difference  in  size.) 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


435 


Subfamily  TETRAONIN^.       Grouse,  Ptarmigan,  etc. 
Genus  CANACHITES  Stejneger. 

141.     Canachites  canadensis  canace  (LINN.). 
CANADA  GROUSE.     SPRUCE  PARTRIDGE. 

Dendragapus  canadensis  (Linn.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  in. 

Distr.:  New  Brunswick  and  northern  New  York  and  southern 
Canada,  west  to  northern  Minnesota;  accidental  or  casual  in  northern 
Wisconsin. 

Adult  male:  Bare  skin  above  the  eye,  red  (in  life) ;  upper  plumage, 
gray,  barred  with  black;  top  of  head,  gray,  mottled  with], black; 
throat,  black,  mixed  with  white;  feathers  on  base  of  bill,  black,  a  nar- 


Canada  Grouse  (male). 

l> 

row  white  line  extending  back  of  the  eye;  breast,  black;  rest  of  under 
parts  barred  with  black  and  white;  axillars,  slaty  gray,  the  shafts  of 
the  feathers  and  the  tips,  white;  first  primary,  grayish  brown,  the  rest, 
grayish  brown  with  outer  webs  mottled  with  pale  buff;  tail,  brownish 
black,  tipped  with  rufous. 

Adult  female:    Head  and  upper  back,  marked  with  rufous,  gray 
and  black;   lower  back  and  rump,  gray,  with  narrow  black  bars  on  the 


436     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

feathers;  throat  and  breast,  rufous,  mottled  and  barred  with  black; 
feathers  of  the  under  parts  barred  with  pale  rufous,  black  and  white; 
tail,  brownish  black,  mottled  and  barred  with  pale  rufous  brown,  the 
outer  feathers,  broadly  tipped  with  pale  rufous;  axillars,  as  in  the 
male. 

Length,  about  15.25;   wing,  6.60;   bill  (from  end  of  nostril),  .40. 

This  species  is  not  uncommon  in  northern  Wisconsin,  but  does 
not  occur  in  Illinois. 

"A  very  common  resident  in  the  coniferous  forests  of  northern 
Wisconsin,  where  it  is  partial  to  swamps."  (F.  H.  King,  Geology 
of  Wisconsin,  Vol.  I,  1883,  p.  591.)  "Fairly  common  resident  in  the 
pine  regions  of  the  state,  but  so  far  as  we  can  learn  has  never  been 
found  south  of  the  pine  belt.  *  *  *  In  some  sections  of  our  extreme 
northern  counties  many  still  remain."  (Kumlien  and  Hollister,  Birds 
of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  56.) 

The  nest  is  built  on  the  ground.  The  eggs  are  10  to  16  in  number, 
buff  color,  speckled  and  spotted  with  dark  brown,  and  measure  about 
1.70  x  i. 20  inches. 

Genus   BONASA   Stephens. 
142.     Bonasa  umbellus  (LINN.). 
RUFFED  GROUSE.     PARTRIDGE. 

Distr.:  Eastern  United  States  and  southern  Canada,  west  to 
Minnesota;  also  mountainous  regions  of  Georgia,  Mississippi,  and 
Arkansas. 

Adult  male:  Upper  plumage,  mixed  gray,  tawny  brown  and 
black;  some  scapulary  feathers,  broadly  marked  with  buffy  white; 
throat,  pale  tawny  brown,  sometimes  with  narrow  indistinct  bars  of 
black;  feathers  on  the  lower  breast  and  belly,  broadly  tipped  with 
white  and  barred  with  black  or  brown;  inner  webs  of  primaries,  gray- 
ish brown;  outer  webs,  barred  with  buff  white  or  dull  white;  tail, 
pale  brown,  irregularly  barred  with  gray  and  black,  and  with  a  broad 
subterminal  band  of  black  or  brown,  the  feathers  tipped  with  gray; 
a  tuft  of  black  feathers  on  the  side  of  the  neck,  edged  with  iridescent 
green;  axillars,  barred  with  brown  and  white.  Plumage  very  vari- 
able, often  with  a  rufous  brown  tinge  to  the  feathers ;  some  specimens 
have  the  ruffle  or  tufts  of  feathers  on  the  sides  of  the  neck  chestnut 
brown,  with  iridescent  edges  instead  of  black,  and  the  bands  on  the 
tail,  brown. 

Adult  female:  Similar,  but  slightly  smaller  and  has  the  tufts  of 
feathers  on  the  neck  smaller  and  browner. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  437 


Ruffed   Grouse. 

Length,  about  16.50;  wing,  about  7.50;  bill  (end  of  nostril  to  tip), 
.50;  tarsus,  1.55. 

The  Ruffed  Grouse  is  a  common  resident  in  wooded  portions  of 
Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  and  abundant  in  northern  Wisconsin.  The 
nest  is  built  on  the  ground,  usually  in  woods.  Nidification  commences 
in  Illinois  the  latter  part  of  May  (sets  of  eggs  taken  May  27th  and 
June  i .) .  The  eggs  are  brownish  buff,  from  nine  to  thirteen  or  four- 
teen in  number,  and  measure  about  1.50  x  1.12  inches. 

The  peculiar  drumming  sounds  made  by  the  male  are  produced  by 
rapidly  beating  his  wings  against  his  body. 

I42a.     Bonasa  umbellus  togata  (LiNN.). 
CANADIAN  RUFFED  GROUSE. 

Distr.:  Northern  New  England  and  New  York,  throughout  Brit- 
ish Provinces,  west  to  the  Pacific;  casual  in  extreme  northern  United 
States. 

The  Canadian  Ruffed  Grouse  may  be  distinguished  from  B.  umbel- 
lus by  the  under  parts  being  gray,  instead  of  rufous  brown,  the  breast 
and  belly  being  distinctly  barred,  and  the  throat  usually  barred  with 
dusky. 

This  form  is  included  by  Kumlien  and  Hollister  in  their  Birds  of 
Wisconsin,  but  they  appear  somewhat  doubtful  as  to  its  occurrence, 
as  they  write:  "Typical  togata  is  rare  in  Wisconsin.  A  number  of 


438     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

grouse  supposed  to  be  of  this  form  appear  to  be  only  intermediates, 
and  typical  umbellus  occurs  in  the  most  northern  counties."  (p.  56.) 
I  have  never  seen  a  typical  specimen  of  togata  from  Wisconsin,  all 
specimens  examined  being  nearer  to  umbellus  than  to  the  northern 
form. 

Genus  LAGOPUS   Brisson. 

143.     Lagopus  lagopus  (LINN.). 

WILLOW  PTARMIGAN. 

Distr.:  British  Provinces  to  Arctic  regions;  accidental  in  northern 
New  England  and  probably  in  other  parts  of  the  northern  boundary 
of  the  United  States. 


Willow  Ptarmigan. 

Winter  plumage,  male  and  female:  General  plumage,  pure  white; 
primaries,  white,  the  shafts,  blackish;  most  of  the  tail  feathers,  black, 
tipped  with  white;  feet,  entirely  feathered. 

In  summer  both  sexes  assume  a  barred  and  mottled  plumage  of 
rufous  brown,  black,  and  buffy  white. 

Length,  15  to  17.25;  wing,  7.10  to  7.60;   bill  (nostril),  .40. 

The  Willow  Ptarmigan  must  be  considered  a  rare  bird  in  extreme 
northern  Wisconsin  in  winter  and  it  may  have  occurred  in  Illinois 
during  the  past  century,  as  Robert  Kennicott  states:*  "Sometimes 
found  in  the  timber  along  Lake  Michigan."  Dr.  R.  P.  Hoy  procured 

"Catalogue  of  the  Animals  observed  in  Cook  Co.,  Illinois.     Trans.  111.  State  Agricultural  Soc., 
Vol.  I,  1853,  P.  586. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


439 


two  specimens  near  Racine,  Wisconsin,  in  December,  1846.  (Trans. 
Wisconsin  State  Agri.  Soc.,  Vol.  II,  1852,  p.  341.)  Kumlien  and  Hoi- 
lister  give  two  additional  records  from  northern  Wisconsin  and  say : 
"It  is  certain,  however,  that  the  ptarmigan  occurs  as  a  rare  winter 
visitor  in  the  northern  peninsula  of  Michigan  and  formerly  at  least 
reached  Wisconsin  during  the  severest  weather."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin, 
1903,  p.  57.) 

Genus  TYMPANUCHUS  Gloger. 

144.     Tympanuchus  americanus  (REICH.). 

PRAIRIE  HEN.     PINNATED  GROUSE. 

Distr. :  Prairies  of  United  States,  from  Texas,  Nebraska,  and  Kan- 
sas, east  to  Indiana,  Ohio,  Illinois,  and  Michigan,  and  from  Ontario 
and  Michigan  to  Missouri  and  Louisiana. 

Adult  male:  Sides  of  neck  with  tufts  of  ten  or  more  stiffened 
feathers  marked  with  rufous  and  buffy  white,  the  greater  portion  of  the 
longer  feathers,  brownish  black,  and  showing  bare  skin  beneath; 
upper  plumage,  mixed  pale  brown,  black  and  buffy  white,  the  feathers 
broadly  barred;  throat,  pale  buff  or  buffy  white;  under  parts  barred 
with  brown  and  white;  most  of  the  tail  feathers,  plain  slaty  brown, 
tipped  with  white,  the  middle  feathers  marked  with  more  or  less  pale 
brown;  middle  tail  feathers,  not  decidedly  longer  than  the  others. 

Adult  female:  Similar,  but  having  the  tail  barred  with  black  and 
tawny  buff,  and  the  neck  tufts,  smaller. 


440     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Length,  about  17 ;  wing,  8  to  9;  bill  (end  of  nostril  to  tip),  .50. 

The  Prairie  Hen  was  formerly  very  abundant  in  Illinois  and  Wis- 
consin and  is  still  not  uncommon  in  prairie  lands  of  the  less  settled 
portions.  Breeds  in  May  in  open  prairies  and  fields.  The  eggs  are 
ten  to  fourteen,  olive  buff  or  greenish  gray  in  color,  usually  unmarked 
but  occasionally  finely  specked  with  brown.  They  measure  about 
1.65  x  1.22  inches. 

Regarding  the  curious  "booming"  sounds  made  by  the  cock  bird 
and  its  strange  antics  during  the  mating  season,  Mr.  Frank  M.  Chap- 
man writes  as  follows:  "At  short  range  the  bird's  note  suggested  the 
mellow  resonant  tone  of  a  kettledrum.  *  *  *  * 

"As  a  rule  each  bird  had  its  own  stand  separated  by  about  ten 
yards  from  that  of  his  neighbor.  The  boom  is  apparently  a  challenge. 
It  is  preceded  by  a  little  dance  in  which  the  bird's  feet  pat  the  ground 
so  rapidly  as  to  produce  a  rolling  sound.  This  cannot  be  heard  at 
a  greater  distance  than  thirty  yards.  It  is  immediately  followed  by 
the  inflation  of  the  great  orange  air  sacks  at  the  side  of  the  neck,  which 
puff  out  as  quickly  as  a  child's  toy  balloon  whistle;  the  tail  is  erected 
and  widely  spread,  the  wings  drooped,  the  neck-tufts  are  raised 
straight  upward,  giving  the  bird  a  singularly  devilish  look,  then  with  a 
convulsive  movement  of  the  lowered  head  the  boom  is  jerked  out  and 
at  its  conclusion  the  air  sacks  have  become  deflated. 

"One  might  imagine  that  after  so  violent  a  performance  the  bird 
would  feel  a  certain  sense  of  exhaustion  or  at  least  quiescent  relief, 
but  his  excess  of  vitality  seeks  still  other  outlets.  Uttering  hen-like 
calls  and  cracks  he  suddenly  springs  a  foot  or  more  straight  into  the 
air,  whirling  about  as  though  he  were  suffering  from  a  combined 
attack  of  epilepsy  and  St.  Vitus's  dance. 

"But  all  this  activity  is  only  a  prelude  to  the  grand  finale  of  actual 
combat.  Like  a  strutting  turkey  cock,  the  neighboring  birds  go 
toward  each  other  by  short  little  runs,  head  down,  the  orange  eyebrow- 
expanded  and  evident,  pouches  inflated,  neck  tufts  and  tail  straight 
up,  and  looking  like  headless  birds  with  two  tails.  Their  meeting  is 
followed  by  no  make-believe  duel,  but  an  actual  clash  of  wings.  Utter- 
ing a  low,  whining  note  they  fight  as  viciously  as  game-cocks,  and  the 
number  of  feathers  left  on  the  ground  testifies  to  effective  use  of  bills 
and  claws."  (The  Outing  Magazine,  November,  1908,  p.  224.) 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  441 

Genus  PEDICECETES  Baird. 

145.     Pedioecetes  phasianellus  campestris  (Rioow.). 

PRAIRIE  SHARP-TAILED  GROUSE. 

Distr.:  Prairies  east  of  Rocky  Mountains,  to  Illinois  and  Wiscon- 
sin, and  from  Manitoba  south  to  New  Mexico. 

Adult  male:  No  noticeable  tufts  of  feathers  on  sides  of  the  neck,  as 
in  the  Prairie  Hen;  middle  tail  feathers,  about  an  inch  longer  than 
the  others;  back  and  upper  parts,  marked  with  tawny  buff  and  black, 
the  feathers,  irregularly  barred;  wing  coverts,  spotted  with  white; 
outer  webs  of  primaries,  barred  with  white,  the  first  with  buffy  white; 
throat,  pale  buff;  feathers  on  the  breast  marked  with  white,  centres 
and  edges  with  arrow  shaped  markings  of  dark  brown;  belly,  white, 
with  a  few  brown  marks;  sides  of  body,  rufous,  black  and  white; 
axillars,  white. 

Adult  female:  Similar,  but  smaller  and  somewhat  lighter. 

Length,  about  17;  wing,  8  to  9;  bill  (from  end  of  nostril),  .50. 

The  Prairie  Sharp-tailed  Grouse  was  formerly  not  uncommon  in 
northern  Illinois  and  Wisconsin.  It  still  occurs  in  northwestern  Wis- 
consin, but  none  have  been  observed  in  Illinois  for  many  years. 

Mr.  E.  W.  Nelson  writes  (Birds  N.  E.  Illinois,  1876,  p.  121): 
"The  last  record  of  its  occurrence  in  this  vicinity  is  furnished  by  my 
friend,  Mr.  L.  H.  Douglass,  who  informs  me  that  in  the  fall  of  1863  or 
1864,  while  two  gentlemen  were  shooting  Prairie  Chickens  near  Wau- 
kegan,  they  found  and  secured  a  covey  of  these  birds  numbering  four- 
teen individuals.  They  had  in  all  probability  been  raised  in  the 
immediate  vicinity."  Kennicott  gives  it  as  formerly  not  uncommon 
in  Cook  Co.,  111. 

In  Wisconsin,  according  to  F.  H.  King  (Geology  of  Wisconsin,  1883, 
p.  591),  it  was  "Resident  from  Berlin  northward  and  was  abundant  in 
the  vicinity  of  Lake  Flambeau,  in  October,  1877."  According  to 
Kumlien  and  Hollister:  "A  few  sharp-tails  were  found  about  Stevens 
Point  in  1898  and  scattered  records  have  been  received  from  Markesan 
and  other  points  in  the  north  central  part  of  the  state."  (Birds  of 
Wisconsin,  1903,  p.' 58.) 

The  nest  is  placed  on  the  ground.  The  eggs  are  from  12  to  14  in 
number,  pale  olive  buff  or  pale  buff  in  color,  and  measure  about  1.70 
x  1.20  inches. 


442     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Family    PHASIANID^.      Pheasants, 
Turkeys,   etc. 

The  family  Phasianidas  contains  nearly'  one  hundred  species  and 
includes  the  Jungle  Fowl,  the  Asiatic  Pheasants,  some  of  them  of 
gorgeous  plumage,  and  the  well  known  Peacock;  also  in  America  the 
splendid  Ocellated  Turkey  of  Yucatan  and  the  Wild  Turkey,  from 
which  our  domestic  race  is  supposed  to  have  descended.  In  the  United 
States  the  Wild  Turkey  is  becoming  less  and  less  common  every  year 
and  is  fast  becoming  rare  or  has  entirely  disappeared  in  many  local- 
ities where  it  was  once  abundant.  Several  subspecies  are  recog- 
nized. 

Subfamily   MELEAGRIN^E.      Turkeys. 

Genus  MELEAGRIS  Linn. 
146.     Meleagris  gallopavo  silvestris  (VIEILL.). 
WILD  TURKEY. 

Distr. :  Eastern  United  States  (except  southern  Florida,  where  it  is 
replaced  by  the  Florida  Wild  Turkey),  north  to  Virginia,  Wisconsin, 
Michigan,  and  Kansas. 

The  Wild  Turkey  resembles  the  domestic  turkey,  but  differs  in 
having  the  upper  tail  coverts  and  tail  tipped  with  chestnut,  the  prima- 
ries more  broadly  barred  with  white,  and  the  legs  decidedly  pink  red; 
bare  skin  of  head,  pale  blue,  the  excrescences,  purplish  red. 

Length,  40  to  50  inches;  wing,  20  to  22;  tail,  about  18. 

Wild  Turkeys  were  formerly  abundant  in  Wisconsin  and  Illinois, 
but  for  many  years- none  have  been  observed  in  the  former  state. 
Kumlien  and  Hollister  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  p.  58)  say:  "Residents 
of  the  extreme  southwestern  counties  claim  that  a  few  were  found 
among  the  bluffs  near  the  river  as  late  as  1894." 

It  has  apparently  disappeared  from  northern  Illinois,  but  is 
still  to  be  found  in  the  heavily  wooded  districts  in  the  southern 
portion  of  the  state*.  Mr.  Ferry  reports  a  flock  having  been  seen 
near  Olive  Branch  in  February,  1907. 

Regarding  the  occurrence  of  Wild  Turkeys  in  the  vicinity  of  Chi- 
cago, Mr.  H.  K.  Coale  having  kindly  placed  his  journal  at  my  dis- 
posal, I  quote  the  following:  "March  23,  1878,  met  several  hunters 

*Mr.  A.  H.  Felger  states  that  five  Wild  Turkeys  were  killed  in  Clinton  Co.,  southern  Illinois, 
in  October,  1903.  (The  Auk,  Vol.  xxvi,  1909,  p.  78.) 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


443 


who  came  over  from  the  Ten  Mile  House  and  Englewood  in  search  of 
Wild  Turkeys.  They  had  shot  eight  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Ten  Mile 
House;  and  had  seen  nearly  a  hundred,  probably  driven  in  by  the 
severe  snow  storms  out  west.  The  balance  of  the  flock  scattered  off 
in  the  direction  of  South  Chicago;  and  although  the  hunters  had  been 
looking  for  them  all  day,  they  had  not  seen  any  more.  One  shot 
two  Wild  Pigeons  and  a  Crow." 

The  nest  is  built  on  the  ground.  The  eggs  are  pale  buff  color, 
finely  speckled  with  brown.  They  number  from  ten  to  thirteen  or 
fourteen,  and  measure  about  2.50  x  1.95  inches. 


Wild  Turkeys. 


ORDER   COLUMBJE. 

PIGEONS. 

Family   COLUMBID^.      Pigeons. 

The  Pigeons  are  a  very  large  family,  numbering  about  300  species, 
distributed  in  different  parts  of  the  world,  about  a  dozen  of  which 
>are  found  in  North  America.  Their  habits  vary  with  different  species, 
but  they  are  all  decidedly  monogamous.  In  feeding  the  nestlings  the 
macerated  food  is  mixed  with  a  milky  fluid  secreted  in  the  gullet  and 
is  given  to  the  young  birds  by  regurgitation.  When  first  hatched  the 
young  are  naked.  At  one  time  flocks  numbering  tens  of  thousands 
of  Wild  Pigeons  passed  through  Illinois,  but  they  have  now  disap- 
peared and  the  species  is  on  the  verge  of  extinction. 

Genus  ECTOPISTES  Swains. 
147.     Ectopistes  migratorius   (LiNN.). 

PASSENGER  PIGEON.     WILD  PIGEON. 

Distr.:  Eastern  North  America,  north  to  Hudson  Bay,  west  to 
the  plains;  breeds  in  Canada  and  northern  border  of  United  States; 
now  very  rare  or  extinct  in  localities  where  it  was  once  very  abundant. 

Adult  male:  Upper  plumage,  including  head,  slaty  blue;  rump, 
bluish  slate  color;  back  and  wings  tinged  with  grayish  olive;  wing 


Passenger    Pigeon. 
444 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  445 

coverts  with  numerous  black  spots ;  sides  of  neck  with  metallic  reflec- 
tions of  gold  and  violet;  throat  and  breast,  pale  purplish  chestnut, 
shading  into  white  on  the  lower  belly;  sides  of  body,  grayish  slate 
color;  primaries,  blackish,  edged  with  brownish  white;  two  middle 
tail  feathers,  dusky,  the  rest  shading  from  bluish  gray  to  white  at  the 
tips,  but  marked  with  more  or  less  chestnut  and  dusky  at  the  extreme 
bases;  bill,  black;  feet,  red;  skin  about  the  eye,  red*. 

Adult  female:  Somewhat  smaller,  the  metallic  reflections  on  the 
neck,  paler,  and  the  forehead  and  breast  tinged  with  grayish  brown. 

Immature  birds  have  the  primaries  marked  with  rufous  brown. 

Length,  i6to  18;  wing,  8  to  8. 60;  bill,  .75;  tarsus,  i. 

The  size  and  bluish  gray  rump  will  always  distinguish  this  species 
from  the  Mourning  Dove. 

As  late  as  the  year  1882,  Wild  Pigeons  were  very  abundant  in 
Illinois  and  Wisconsin;  but  about  that  time  their  numbers  began  to 
decrease  very  rapidly.  Besides  the  thousands  which  were  shot, 
immense  numbers  were  caught  in  nets  on  their  breeding  grounds,  with 
the  result  that  in  1895  it  had  become  a  rare  bird.  At  the  present 
time  the  species  is  practically  extinct. 

To  appreciate  the  slaughter  of  these  birds  in  early  days,  I  quote  a 
statement  by  Prof.  H.  B.  Roney  (Chicago  Field,  Vol.  X,  p.  345) : 
"The  number  of  dead  birds  sent  by  rail  was  estimated  at  12,500  daily 
or  1,500,000  for  the  summer,  besides  80,352  live  birds  and  an  equal 
number  was  sent  by  water." 

Kumlienand  Hollister  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  p.  59)  say:  "Mr.  J.  M. 
Blackford,  now  residing  at  Delavan,  states  that  the  last  large  catch  of 
the  netters  was  in  1882.  The  following  spring  but  one  hundred  and 
thirty-eight  dozen  were  taken  in  the  best  pigeon  grounds  in  the  state, 
and  this  was  practically  the  end." 

Mr.  Ruthven  Deane  (Auk,  1898,  p.  184)  states  that  Mr.  A.  Fugle- 
berg,  of  Oshkosh,  Wisconsin,  observed  a  number  of  flocks  of  Wild 
Pigeons  near  Lake  Winnebago,  Wisconsin,  on  August  16,  1897.  He 
estimated  that  six  or  more  flocks  contained  from  35  to  80  pigeons 
each.  He  also  records  a  flock  of  from  75  to  100  birds  observed  by 
Mr.  W.  F.  Rightmire  near  Cook,  Johnson  Co.,  Nebraska,  on  August  17, 
1897.* 

Mr.  John  F.  Ferry  informs  me  that  Mr.  F.  C.  Farwell  killed  a  Wild 
Pigeon  and  observed  two  others  near  the  Desplaines  River  in  Lake  Co., 

*  Those  who  desire  further  information  regarding  the  history  and  destruction  of  this  species 
are  referred  to  Mr.  Ruthven  Deane's  valuable  papers  in  The  Auk,  Vol.  XII,  1895,  p.  298,  and 
Vol.  XV,  1898,  p.  184;  also  to  one  by  Mr.  William  Brewster,  The  Auk.  Vol.  VI,  1889,  pp.  285- 
291,  entitled  "  The  present  status  of  the  Wild  Pigeon  (Ectopistes  migratorius)  as  a  bird  of  the 
United  States,  with  some  notes  on  its  habits." 


446      FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Illinois,  early  in  September,  1893,  and  Mr.  Ferry  has  a  female  specimen 
in  his  collection  killed  at  Lake  Forest,  Illinois,  August  7,  1895. 

The  following  are  among  the  late  records  given  by  Mr.  Otto  Wid- 
mann  of  its  occurrence  in  Missouri. 

"1894,  April  15.  Mr.  E.  S.  Currier  sent  ten  pigeons  to  Keokuk,  his 
first  since  1888. 

1896,  May  19*.  The  same  sees  one  among  doves,  and  again  one 
October  18,  of  the  same  year. 

1896,  September  17.     Mr.  W.  Praeger  shoots  a  male  near  Keokuk. 

1896,  December  17.     Out  of  a  flock  of  fifty  near  Attick,  Oregon 
Co.,  Mo.,  Mr.  Chas.  U.  Holden,  Jr.,  kills  a  pair  and  sends  them  in  the 
flesh  to  Mr.  R.  Deane  of  Chicago. 

1897,  August  17.     A  flock  of  75-100  is  seen  twenty-five  miles  west 
of  our  state  line  in  Johnson  Co.,  Neb. 

1902,  September  26.  Last  seen  at  New  Haven  by  Dr.  Eimbech." 
(Birds  of  Missouri,  1907,  p.  84.) 

The  nest  is  composed  of  sticks  and  twigs  built  in  a  tree.  The  eggs 
are  white,  one  or  two  in  number  (often  only  one),  and  measure  about 
1.45  x  1.05  inches. 

Genus  ZENAIDURA  Bonap. 
148.     Zenaidura  macroura  carolinensis  (LINN.). 

MOURNING  DOVE. 

Zenaidura  macroura  (Linn.),  A.   O.  U.  Check    List,  1895,  p.   121 
Distr.:    United   States   and   southern   Canada,    Central   America 
and  West  Indies;   breeds  throughout  its  range. 

Adult  male:  Upper  plumage,  grayish  brownish  olive;  crown,  slate 
color,  shading  into  vinaceous  on  the  forehead,  a  purplish  black  spot 


Mourning  Dove. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  447 

above  the  ear;  sides  of  neck  showing  metallic  reflections;  breast, 
vinaceous,  shading  into  pale  buff  on  the  belly;  outer  tail  feathers 
tipped  with  dull  white  and  barred  with  black;  bare  skin  around  the 
eye,  bluish;  feet,  red. 

Adult  female :  Similar,  but  paler  and  somewhat  smaller;  the  pur- 
plish tinge  of  the  breast  replaced  by  grayish  brown. 

Length,  about  12:    wing,  5.75;    bill,  .52;    tarsus,  .80;    tail,  5.40. 

The  Mourning  Dove  is  a  common  summer  resident  in  northern 
Illinois  and  Wisconsin  and  a  few  remain  during  the  winter.  In  south- 
ern Illinois  it  is  a  permanent  resident.  The  mournful  note  of  the 
male  suggests  its  name. 

The  nest  is  a  mat  of  twigs  tisually  in  a  tree,  occasionally  on  the 
ground.  The  eggs  are  white,  two  in  number,  and  measure  about  1.05 
x  .85  inches.  The  Field  Museum  collection  contains  a  series  of  sets 
of  eggs  of  this  species  taken  in  northern  Illinois,  between  May  loth 
and  June  29th. 


ORDER    RAPTORES. 

BIRDS    OF    PREY. 
Suborder  SARCORH  AMPH  I.      American   Vultures. 


Family   CATHARTICS. 

Vultures. 


American 


The  Vultures  are  scavengers.  The  presence  of  a  dead  animal  is 
often  indicated  by  numbers  of  them  roosting  in  trees  or  circling  slowly 
about  in  its  vicinity.  Except  during  the  nesting  season,  they  are 
usually  found  in  flocks.  Their  sense  of  sight  is  very  keen,  enabling 
them  to  distinguish  objects  at  great  distances. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  449 


Genus  CATHARTES   Illiger. 
149.     Cathartes  aura  septentrionalis    (WIED). 
TURKEY  VULTURE.     TURKEY  BUZZARD. 

Distr.:  Greater  part  of  North,  Central  and  South  America,  from 
New  Jersey  and  British  Columbia  to  Patagonia;  accidental  in  New 
England. 

Adult:  General  plumage,  sooty  brown,  the  feathers  being  black, 
edged  with  dark  grayish  brown;  head  and  neck,  bare,  the  skin,  red; 
bill,  brownish  white;  tail,  black,  with  light  brown  shafts. 

Immature  birds  have  the  head  and  neck  covered  with  grayish 
brown,  downy  feathers. 

Length,  28  to  30;  wing,  22  to  24;  bill,  2.35. 

The  Turkey  Buzzard  is  an  abundant  resident  in  southern  Illinois.' 
It  is  rather  rare  in  the  northern  part  of  the  state,  but  has  been 
observed  on  several  occasions  in  the  vicinity  of  Chicago.  *  Mr. 
Ruthven  Deane  informs  me  he  observed  a  bird  of  this  species  at 
Highland  Park.  Illinois,  on  June  28,  1908.  It  occurs  more  or  less 
regularly  in  Wisconsin,  and  according  to  Kumlien  and  Hollister: 
"Undoubtedly  breeds  sparingly  in  the  southwestern  part  of  the  state." 
Mr.  Isaac  E.  Hess  informs  me  he  has  taken  eleven  sets  of  eggs  of 
this  species  in  May  and  June  near  Philo,  Champaign  Co.,  Illinois. 

In  southern  Illinois  it  nests  on  the  ground  or  on  partly  hollow 
logs  (some  writers  claim  in  stumps  of  trees).  The  eggs  are  usually 
two,  dull  white,  blotched  and  spotted  with  chocolate  brown.  They 
measure  about  2.75  x  1.90  inches. 


Genus   CATHARISTA    Vieill. 

150.     Catharista  urubu  (VIEILL.). 

BLACK  VULTURE.     CARRION  CROW. 

Catharista  atrata  (Bartr.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  P-  I25- 
Distr.:   Southern  portion  of  North  America,  West  Indies,  Central 

and  greater  portion  of  South  America;  breeds  in  eastern  United  States 

from  North  Carolina  and  Illinois  to  the  Gulf;    accidental  in  New 

England. 

Adult:    General  plumage,  black;    head  and  neck,  bare,  the  skin 

black;    under  surface  of  wings  tinged  with  hoary  white;    shafts  of 

primaries,  white;    bill,  blackish. 

*  Dunn,  The  Auk,  1805,  p.  394.     Gault,  Wilson  Bull.,  No.  Q,  1896,  p.  3,  etc. 


450     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Sexes  similar. 

Length,  23  to  26;   wing,  16  to  17.50:   bill,  2.20. 

The  Black  Vulture  is  not  uncommon  in  southern  Illinois,  and  ac- 
cording to  Prof.  Ridgway  (Orn.  of  Illinois,  Vol.  I,  1889,  p.  492)  occurs 
at  least  as  far  north  as  Mt.  Carmel.  It  has  apparently  not  been  taken 
in  Wisconsin. 

Kumlien  and  Hollister  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  131.)  write: 
"  We  do  not  consider  the  records  of  this  species  for  Wisconsin 
sufficiently  authentic  to  warrant  us  in  giving  it  a  place  at  the  present 
time." 


Black  Vulture. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  451 

Suborder  FALCON ES.      Hawks,  Falcons,  Eagles,  Kites,  etc. 

Family     FALCONID^E.       Hawks,     Falcons, 
Eagles,    Kites,  etc. 

About  350  species  belong  to  this  family,  widely  distributed 
throughout  the  world.  As  a  rule  they  do  not  feed  on  dead  animals 
unless  forced  by  hunger  to  do  so,  but  delight  in  the  pursuit  and  cap- 
ture of  their  prey.  Their  choice  of  food  differs  with  various  species, 
but  the  majority  of  them  kill  birds,  mammals  and  small  reptiles. 
The  Bald  Eagle  has  a  partiality  for  fish,  which  he  occasionally  catches 
for  himself  or  finds  dead  on  the  shore,  but  a  large  portion  of  his  larder 
is  supplied  by  the  Fish  Hawks  or  Ospreys,  which  are  forced  after 
catching  their  prey  to  give  it  up  to  their  more  powerful  rival.  While 
hawks  may  occasionally  kill  a  few  chickens  and  song  birds,  the  greater 
portion  of  them  are  a  decided  benefit  to  the  agriculturist.  They 
are  not  gregarious,  but  a  few  species  associate  in  flocks  during  the 
migrations.  As  a  rule  the  females  are  larger  than  the  males. 


Subfamily   BUTEONIN^.      Hawks,  Kites, 
Eagles,   etc. 

Genus  ELANOIDES   Vieill. 
151.     Elanoides  forficatus  (LiNN.). 
SWALLOW-TAILED  KITE. 

Distr.:  Central  and  South  America  and  southern  United  States; 
casual  as  far  north  as  Carolina  and  Minnesota;  accidental  in  New 
England;  breeds  in  southern  United  States  southward,  and  casually 
as  far  north  as  Wisconsin  and  Illinois. 

Adult:  Back,  tail,  and  wings  (except  some  of  the  tertials),  bluish 
black,  glossed  with  purple;  head,  neck,  rump,  and  under  parts,  pure 
white;  tail,  forked  and  usually  over  12  inches  long. 

Immature  birds  have  the  head  streaked  with  dusky  and  the  prima- 
ries and  tail  feathers  narrowly  tipped  with  white. 

Length,  20  to  25;  wing,  about  16  to  17;  outer  tail  feathers,  about 
12.50  to  14;  bill,  .75. 


452     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY— ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Swallow-tailed  Kite 


The  Swallow-tailed  Kite  is  more  or  less  common  in  Illinois  and 
casual  in  Wisconsin,  where  according  to  Kumlien  and  Hollister  it 
was  found  breeding  near  Fort  Atkinson  in  the  summer  of  1854.  Dr. 
Hoy  gives  it  as  nesting  near  Racine  in  1848.  A  specimen  is  preserved 
in  the  Milwaukee  Public  Museum,  shot  in  Milwaukee  County,  May  1 5 , 
1888. 

There  are  numerous  records  of  its  occurrence  in  Illinois.  Prof. 
Ridgway  shot  one  near  Mt.  Carmel  and  states  that  in  former  years  it 
was  common  throughout  the  state.  (Orn.  of  111.,  Vol.  I,  1889,  p.  445.) 
Mr.  Frank  M.  Woodruff  writes  (Birds  of  Chicago  Area,  1907,  p.  91. ): 
"Mr.  J.  Grafton  Parker,  Jr.,  shot  one  at  Lake  Villa,  a  few  miles  from 
Chicago,  on  June  5,  1895.  Mr-  Henry  K.  Coale  reports  the  taking  of 
three  adult  specimens  at  Highland  Park  in  April,  1905." 

The  nest  is  a  mass  of  sticks  and  grass  placed  in  a  tree,  usually  at  a 
considerable  distance  from  the  ground.  The  eggs  are  4  to  6,  dull 
white,  speckled  and  blotched  with  chocolate  brown,  and  measure 
about  1.90  x  1.50  inches. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


453 


Genus  ELANUS  Savig. 

152.     Elanus  leucurus  (VIEILL.). 

WHITE-TAILED  KITE. 

Distr. :  Southern  United  States,  from  South  Carolina  and  southern 
Illinois  to  Central  and  South  America.  Breeds  in  southern  United 
States  southward. 

Adult:  Upper  parts,  ashy  gray;  primaries,  ashy  gray;  head, 
mostly  white ;  a  large  black  patch  on  the  shoulder  (wing  coverts) ; 


White-tailed  Kite. 

tail  and  under  parts,  white;  a  black  spot  in  front  of  the  eye;  iris,  red; 
bill,  black;  cere,  yellowish;  feet,  yellow. 

The  sexes  are  similar,  but  the  female  is  slightly  larger  than  the 
male. 

Immature  birds  show  more  or  less  rusty  brown;  wing  feathers 
tipped  with  white  and  the  breast  is  marked  with  pale  rusty  brown ; 
middle  tail  feathers,  grayish,  varying  with  age. 

Length,  15  to  16.50;  wing,  11.75  to  13.50;  tail,  about  6.50;  bill, 
.70;  tarsus,  1.30. 

This  beautiful  species  is  included  on  the  authority  of  Prof.  Ridg- 
way,  who  states  that  a  pair  was  "observed  near  the  river  at  Mt.  Car- 
mel,  during  the  summer  of  1863  or  1864"  and  he  considers  it,  "very 
likely  "of  not  uncommon  occurrence  during  the  summer  in  suitable 
places  in  the  extreme  southern  counties  of  the  state. "  (Orn.  of  111., 
Vol.  I,  1889,  p.  447.) 


454      FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


153.     Ictinia  mississippiensis  (WiLS.). 
MISSISSIPPI  KITE. 

Distr.:  Southern  United  States,  east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains 
from  South  Carolina  and  Illinois  to  Central  America. 

Adult:  General  plumage,  plumbeous  gray,  palest  on  the  head 
and  darkest  on  the  wings  and  tail;  inner  webs  of  primaries  marked 
with  rufous;  no  white  on  tail. 


Mississippi    Kite. 

Immature  birds  have  the  head,  neck,  and  under  parts,  whitish  or 
buffy  white,  striped  and  spotted  with  dusky  brown;  upper  plumage, 
dusky  brown,  the  feathers  marked  with  buffy  white  or  whitish;  tail, 
dusky,  narrowly  barred  with  dark  gray  (outer  webs)  and  grayish 
white  (inner  webs) ;  under  wing  coverts  marked  with  reddish  brown. 

Length,  13.50  to  15;   wing,  10.50  to  12;   tail,  6.50. 

The  'Mississippi  Kite  is  not  uncommon  in  southern  Illinois  in  sum- 
mer. 

Nelson  gives  it  as  an  "abundant  summer  resident  in  the  southern 
portion  of  the  state,  probably  occurs  in  northern  Illinois."  Ridgway 
states  (Orn.  of  Illinois,  1889,  p.  449):  "In  August,  1871,  it  was  very 
plentiful  on  Fox  Prairie."  In  Wisconsin  Kumlien  and  Hollister  do 
not  include  it  as  having  been  taken,  although  a  number  of  the  older 


JAN.,,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  455 

writers  mention  it  as  having   been    seen.     If   it  occurs  at  all  it  is  an 
accidental  straggler  in  Wisconsin. 

The  nest  is  built  in  a  tree.  The  eggs  are  three  or  four  in  number, 
brownish  white  or  whitish  overlaid  and  mottled  with  madder  brown, 
and  measure  about  1.65  x  1.30  inches. 


Genus   CIRCUS    Lacepede. 
154.     Circus  hudsonius  (LiNN.). 
MARSH  HAWK. 

Distr. :  North  America,  from  Fur  Countries  to  the  Gulf,  breeding 
throughout  its  range;  south  in  winter  to  Cuba  and  Central  America. 

Special  characters,  adult  male:  General  plumage,  ashy  gray;  upper 
tail  coverts,  white;  belly  and  flanks,  white,  spotted  with  pale  tawny 
brown;  wing,  13  to  15  inches;  tail,  over  8.25  inches. 

Female  and  immature  male:  Upper  parts,  brown,  showing  more 
or  less  tawny  rufous;  upper  tail  coverts,  white;  under  parts,  tawny; 


Marsh  Hawk. 


the  belly  and  flanks,  without  bars  or  spots;    wing,  13  to  16  inches; 
tail,  more  than  8.25  inches  long. 

The  Marsh  Hawk  is  a  common  summer  resident  in  Illinois  and 
Wisconsin.  It  frequents  the  fields  and  open  marshes  and  may  be 
recognized  by  its  conspicuous  white  upper  tail  coverts. 


456     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

In  southern  Illinois  it  occurs  more  or  less  commonly  in  winter. 
W.  W.  Cooke  says:  "During  the  winter  of  1884-85  the  Marsh  Hawk 
was  plentiful  at  Paris,  111."  (Bird  Migr.  Miss.  Val.,  1888,  p.  113.) 

The  nest  is  placed  on  the  ground  in  grassy  marshes.  The  eggs 
are  usually  4  or  5,  dull  white  or  faintly  tinged  bluish  or  greenish,  and 
measure  about  1.85  x  1.45  inches.  The  Field  Museum  collection 
contains  sets  of  eggs  of  this  species  taken  between  May  14  and  June 
15.  Although  the  majority  breed  in  May  and  June,  eggs  have  been 
taken  in  northern  Illinois  during  the  latter  part  of  April. 


Genus  ACCIPITER  Briss. 
155.     Accipiter  velox  ( Wi  LS  .) . 
SHARP-SHINNED  HAWK. 

Distr. :  North  America,  breeding  nearly  throughout  its  range ; 
in  winter  south  to  Mexico  and  Central  America. 

Special  characters:  Fourth  primary,  longest;  tail,  nearly  square, 
the  outer  tail  feather  being  less  than  three-quarters  of  an  inch  shorter 
than  the  middle  feathers;  under  surface  of  primaries,  dull  white, 
barred  with  grayish  brown. 

Adult  male  and  female:  Upper  plumage,  slaty  gray;  tail  with 
broad  alternate  bars  of  light  ash  gray  and  dark  slaty  gray,  tipped  with 


Sharp-shinned    Hawk. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  457 

white;  throat,  whitish,  narrowly  streaked  with  dusky;  rest  of  under 
parts,  barred  with  pale  rufous  brown  and  white,  the  shafts  of  the 
feathers  dusky,  showing  fine  hair-like  lines;  under  tail  coverts,  white. 

Male:  Length,  n;  wing,  6.70;  tail,  5.60;  tarsus,  1.90. 

Female:  Larger;   length,  12.50  to  13.50;   wing,  6.50;   tarsus,  2.05. 

Immature:  Upper  plumage,  fuscous  brown,  the  feathers  often 
edged  with  rufous;  wings  and  tail  marked  as  in  the  adult,  but  of  a 
more  brownish  tinge;  under  parts,  whitish,  streaked  with  brown, 
the  shafts  of  the  feathers  dusky,  showing  hair-like  lines. 

The  "square"  tail  and  smaller  size  will  always  distinguish  this 
species  from  the  Cooper's  Hawk. 

A  common  species  during  the  migrations  in  April,  May,  Septem- 
ber and  October.  The  majority  of  them  go  farther  north,  although 
a  few  are  summer  residents  in  Illinois  and  probably  breed.  In  Wis- 
consin it  is  more  common  in  summer.  Kumlien  and  Hollister  have 
found  it  nesting  at  Milton  in  two  instances  and  have  breeding  records 
from  many  localities  throughout  the  state. 

The  nest  is  built  in  a  tree  (sometimes  on  a  ledge  of  rocks)  and  is 
composed  of  sticks,  moss,  and  grass.  The  eggs  are  usually  four  or 
five,  pale  bluish  white  or  buffy  white,  blotched  and  washed  with  vari- 
ous shades  of  brown.  They  measure  about  1.50  x  1.20  inches.  The 
nesting  season  lasts  from  April  until  June. 

156.     Accipiter  cooperii  (BONAP.). 
COOPER'S  HAWK. 

Distr. :  North  America  and  Mexico,  breeding  throughout  its  range. 

Special  characters:  Fourth  primary,  longest;  tail,  rounded,  the 
outer  tail  feather  being  three-quarters  of  an  inch  or  more  shorter  than 
the  middle  feather. 

Adult  and  immature  birds  of  this  species  resemble  the  Sharp - 
shinned  Hawk,  but  may  easily  be  distinguished  by  the  larger  size 
and  more  rounded  tail.  In  the  adult  the  crown  is  usually  darker. 

Male:  Length,  14.25  to  16.75;  wm§>  8.90  to  9.40;  tail,  7.75  to 
8.25;  tarsus,  2.30  to  2.50. 

Female:  Length,  17.50  to  19.50;  wing,  10  to  n;  tail,  9  to  10.30; 
tarsus,  2.60  to  2.80. 

The  Cooper's  Hawk  is  a  common  summer  resident  in  Illinois  and 
Wisconsin.  It  is  commonly  known  as  Hen  Hawk  or  Chicken  Hawk, 
and  .undoubtedly  deserves  the  name  more  than  several  other  species 
to  which  it  is  applied.  Dr.  A.  K.  Fisher  states  that  "of  133  stomachs 
examined,  34  contained  poultry  or  game  birds;  52,  other  birds;  n, 
mammals;  i,  frog;  3,  lizards;  2,  insects;  and  39  were  empty." 


458     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Cooper's   Hawk. 

The  nest  is  built  in  a  tree,  usually  at  a  considerable  distance  from 
the  ground  (from  30  to  60  feet) .  The  eggs  are  usually  3  or  4  in  number, 
and  measure  about  1.95  x  1.50  inches.  They  are  grayish  white,  some- 
times pale  bluish  white,  as  a  rule  without  markings,  although  occa- 
sionally showing  a  few  pale  brown  spots. 

The  following  sets  of  eggs  are  contained  in  the  Field  Museum  col- 
lection: 5  eggs,  Chicago,  111.,  May  18,  1904;  i  egg,  Lake  Forest,  111., 
May  18,  1903;  4  eggs,  Grinnell,  Iowa,  May  4.  1893;  4  eggs,  Lake 
Forest.  111.,  May  16,  1907. 


Genus   ASTUR   Lacepede. 

157.     Astur  atricapillus  (WiLs.). 
AMERICAN  GOSHAWK. 

Accipiter  atricapillus  (Wils.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  129. 

Distr. :  Greater  portion  of  North  America  north  of  the  Middle 
states;  breeds  from  northern  border  of  United  States  northward. 

Adult  male  and  female :  Back  and  wings,  slaty  gray,  the  shafts  of  the 
feathers  on  the  back  darker;  entire  under  parts,  thickly  barred  with 
gray  and  white,  the  shafts  of  the  feathers,  dusky,  showing  fine  lines; 
upper  surface  of  primaries  showing  faint,  indistinct,  grayish  brown 
dark  bars,  and  marked  with  more  or  less  white  on  the  inner  webs; 
top  and  sides  of  head,  dusky,  a  whitish  streak  extending  backwards 
from  above  the  eye;  tail  feathers  with  imperfect,  indistinct,  dusky 
bars  and  narrowly  tipped  with  whitish;  bill,  lead  color;  feet,  yellow- 
ish. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  459 


Goshawk    (adult). 

Immature:  Upper  plumage,  brown,  the  feathers  narrowly  mar- 
gined with  buff  and  buffy  white;  crown,  tawny,  streaked  with  brown ; 
under  parts,  buffy  white,  streaked  with  dark  brown;  upper  surface 
of  primaries  barred  with  darker  brown;  under  surface  of  primaries 
barred  with  brown  and  brownish  white;  tail  with  broad  bars  of 
brownish  gray  and  dark  brown,  usually  with  white  tips. 

Male:  Length,  20  to  23;  wing,  12  to  13.40;  tail,  9.60  to  10.50; 
tarsus,  2.65  to  3. 

Female:  Length,  22  to  25;  wing,  13.25  to  14.25;  tail,  n  to  12.25; 
tarsus,  2.70  to  3.10. 

The  large  size  of  this  hawk  will  distinguish  it  from  others  which 
somewhat  resemble  it  in  immature  plumage. 

This  fine,  large  Hawk  is  a  rather  rare  winter  visitant  or  resident 
in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  although  apparently  more  common  4n  the 
latter  state.  There  are  numerous  records  of  its  occurrence  and  cap- 
ture and  the  writer  saw  an  adult  bird  of  this  species  in  Jackson  Park, 
Chicago,  in  February,  1907.  According  to  the  older  writers  it  was 
formerly  more  common.  Barry  states  that  in  the  early  fifties  a  friend 
of  his  shot  twenty  in  one  season. 

Mr_  E.  W.  Nelson  took  a  specimen  at  Waukegan,  May  3,  1876,  and 
states  that  Dr.  A.  L.  Marcy  found  it  quite  plentiful  near  Evanston 
during  the  winter  of  1870-1871.  Mr.  Frank  M.  Woodruff  took  an  adult 
male  at  Beverly  Hills,  March  30,  1889  (Birds  of  the  Chicago  Area, 


460     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

1907,  p.  93).  While  it  may  possibly  breed  in  northern  Wisconsin, 
there  is  no  record  of  its  having  done  so.  Messrs.  Kumlien  and 
Hollister  and  Mr.  Clark  give  it  as  a  regular  but  by  no  means  a  com- 
mon winter  resident  in  Wisconsin. 


I57a.     Astur  atricapillus  striatulus  RIDGW. 
WESTERN  GOSHAWK. 

Distr.:  Western  North  America,  from  Idaho  and  Nebraska  to 
California  and  Alaska;  accidental  as  far  east  as  Mississippi  Valley. 

Special  characters:  The  Western  Goshawk  may  be  distinguished 
from  the  eastern  bird  by  its  sooty  back  and  generally  darker  upper 
plumage.  In  the  immature  bird,  the  black  stripes  on  the  under  parts 
are  decidedly  broader  than  in  A.  atricapillus  and  the  thighs  are  marked 
with  large  black  spots. 

Mr.  Chas.  K.  W^orthen  writes  me  he  has  taken  this  bird  near  War- 
saw. Its  occurrence  in  Illinois  must  be  considered  as  accidental. 


Genus   BUTEO   Cuvier. 
158.     Buteo  borealis  (GMEL.). 
RED-TAILED  HAWK. 

Distr.:  Eastern  North  America  and  Canada,  south  to  Mexico; 
breeds  nearly  throughout  its  range. 

Adult  male  and  female:  Size,  large;  four  outer  primaries,  notched; 
upper  surface  of  tail,  rich  rufous  brown,  with  or  without  one  or  more 
black  bars,  and  tipped  with  white;  some  specimens  have  the  tail 
without  bars,  others  with  several  (the  latter  seem  more  commonly  to 
be  females) ;  upper  plumage,  dark  brown,  mixed  with  whitish  and 
pale  rufous  brown;  under  parts,  white;  the  feathers  marked  with  pale 
rufous  brown  on  sides  of  neck,  breast,  and  body;  upper  surface  of 
primaries,  brown,  faintly  barred  with  dusky  and  becoming  white  on 
the  basal  portion  of  the  inner  webs. 

Immature:  General  markings  similar  to  adult,  but  differs  in  color; 
the  rufous  brown  replaced  by  cinnamon  brown  on  the  sides  of  throat, 
breast,  and  body,  and  the  under  parts  with  more  or  less  brown  mark- 
ings on  the  belly;  the  breast,  usually  plain  white;  tail  quite  different 
from  the  adult,  grayish  brown,  mixed  with  tawny  and  banded  with 
dark  brown,  the  feathers  tipped  with  white,  and  usually  with  more 
or  less  white  on  the  inner  webs  of  the  outer  feathers,  varying  accord- 
ing to  age. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


461 


Cooper's  Hawk. 
Red-tailed  Hawk. 


Red-shouldered  Hawk. 
Illustrating  comparative  difference  in  size. 


Male:  Length,  19  to  22.50;  wing,  13.50  to  16;  tail,  8.60  to  10; 
tarsus,  2.50  to  3. 

Female:  Length,  20.50  to  24;  wing,  14.75  to  17.50;  tail,  9  to  10.50; 
tarsus,  2.75  to  3.10. 

This  is  the  common  form  of  Red-tailed  Hawk  in  Illinois  and  Wis- 
consin and  breeds  in  both  states.  The  adult  may  be  easily  recog- 
nized by  its  size  and  rufous  red  tail.  The  immature  bird  has  the 
tail  brownish  gray  with  numerous  bars.  The  large  size  and  stout 


462     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY/ VOL.  IX. 


Red-tailed  Hawk. 

tarsus  partly  covered  by  feathers  and  the  entire  absence  of  any  tinge 
of  red  on  the  shoulder  or  upper  wing  coverts  should  aid  in  distinguish- 
ing it  from  other  eastern  species. 

The  nest  is  large,  built  in  a  tree,  and  composed  of  sticks,  twigs, 
moss,  and  leaves.  The  eggs  are  usually  three,  dull  white,  sometimes 
with  a  faint  wash  of  pale  brown  and  occasionally  blotched  and  marked 
with  cinnamon  brown.  They  measure  about  2.40  x  1.95  inches. 

Nidification  usually  commences  in  March  in  this  latitude,  although 
nests  are  found  in  April.  There  is  a  set  of  3  eggs  in  the  Field  Museum 
collection  taken  at  Grinnell,  Iowa,  May  3,  1893.  Mr.  Isaac  E.  Hess 
informs  me  he  has  in  his  collection  seven  sets  of  two  eggs  and  one  of 
three  eggs  taken  near  Philo,  Champaign  Co.,  Illinois. 

According  to  Dr.  H.  K.  Fisher,  in  562  stomachs  of  this  species 
examined  by  him,  54  contained  poultry  or  game  birds  551,  other  birds ; 
2  7  8,  mice;  131,  other  mammals;  37,  batrachians  or  reptiles;  47,  insects; 
8,  crawfish;  i,  centipede;  13,  offal,  and  89  were  empty. 

I58a.     Buteo  borealis  kriderii  HOOPES. 

KRIDER'S  RED-TAILED  HAWK. 

Distr.:  Ranges  from  Wyoming,  Dakota,  and  Minnesota  to  Texas; 
casual  in  Iowa  and  Illinois. 

Differs  from  B.  borealis  in  being  much  paler,  and  showing  more 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  463 

white  on  the  plumage;  the  head,  sometimes  almost  white;  under  parts, 
white;  tail,  pale  rufous,  sometimes  but  not  always  showing  the  dark 
subterminal  bar.  Size  of  B.  borealis. 

This  western  form  is  casual  or  accidental  in  Illinois  and  Wiscon- 
sin. Mr.  H.  K.  Coale  records  a  specimen  taken  near  Halfday,  Illinois 
(Auk,  1885,  p.  109),  and  states  that  it  was  shot  near  the  Desplaines 
River,  thirty  miles  northwest  of  Chicago,  July  25,  1876.  Kumlien 
and  Hollister  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  63)  record  a  specimen 
shot  by  Mr.  J.  N.  Clark  at  Meridian,  Dunn  Co.,  Wisconsin,  Oct.  22, 
1892,  and  state  that  three  others  have  been  taken  at  Lake  Kosh- 
konong  during  the  past  few  years. 

I58b.     Buteo  borealis  calurus  (CASS.). 
WESTERN  RED-TAILED  HAWK. 

Distr. :  "  Western  North  America,  from  the  Rocky  Mountains  to 
the  Pacific,  south  into  Mexico;  casual  east  to  Illinois."  (A.  O.  U.) 

Adult  birds  differ  in  having  the  plumage  very  dark,  sometimes 
sooty,  except  the  tail  which  is  rufous.  Some  specimens  have  the 
general  plumage  dark  and  the  whole  breast  rufous  brown,  the  tail 
showing  one  or  more  black  bars.  Measurements  the  same  as  B. 
borealis. 

Stragglers  occasionally  occur  in  both  Illinois  and  Wisconsin.  Mr. 
Nelson  states:  "In  my  collection  is  a  fine  adult  specimen  of  this  variety 
obtained  near  Chicago  in  April,  1873,  by  my  friend,  Mr.  C.  H.  Smith." 
(Birds  of  N.  E.  Illinois,  1876,  p.  119.)  Mr.  Charles  K.  Worthen 
writes  me  it  has  been  taken  near  Warsaw,  Illinois.  Kumlien  and 
Hollister  consider  it  rare,  "but  of  regular  occurrence  in  Wisconsin  in 
the  late  fall.  Six  or  eight  specimens  were  procured  about  Lake 
Koshkonong  by  Thure  and  L.  Kumlien."  They  also  record  a  speci- 
men from  Delavan  killed  Oct.  19,  1901,  and  another  taken  by  Mr. 
J.  N.  Clark  at  Meridian,  Oct.  23,  1893. 

I58c.     Buteo  borealis  harlani  (Auo.). 
HARLAN'S  HAWK. 

Distr. :  Ranges  from  Gulf  states  north  to  Iowa,  Kansas,  and  Missis- 
sippi Valley;  casual  east  to  Pennsylvania;  south  in  winter  to  Cen- 
tral America. 

Special  characters:  A  very  dark  form.  Adult  birds  have  the  head 
and  neck  sooty  brown,  often  streaked  with  whitish;  the  general 
plumage  above  is  dark  sooty,  sometimes  almost  black,  but  showing 


464     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

more  or  less  streaks,  the  concealed  portion  of  the  feathers  being  white; 
under  parts,  more  or  less  white  with  various  markings.  The  tail, 
instead  of  being  rufous,  is  thickly  mottled  with  gray,  dusky,  and  white, 
and  tipped  with  whitish,  at  times  showing  a  tinge  of  rufous,  but 
often  without.  The  immature  bird  has  the  tail  banded  with  grayish 
and  dusky  brown. 

Adult  male:   Length,  about  19;    wing,  about  15.50. 

Adult  female:    Length,  about  20.50;   wing,  about  16.50. 

Harlan's  Hawk  is  of  casual  or  accidental  occurrence  in  Illinois. 
Mr.  Chas.  K.  Worthen  shot  an  adult  male  bird  of  this  species  near 
Warsaw,  111.,  March  18,  1879  (Ridgway,  Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol. 
V,  1880,  p.  31).  Mr.  Worthen  records  a  second  specimen,  which  had 
been  caught  in  a  trap  by  a  farmer  near  Warsaw,  January  19,  1899 
(The  Osprey,  Vol.  Ill,  1899,  p.  94).  A  third  specimen  was  secured 
by  Mr.  Frank  M.  Woodruff,  who  purchased  it  from  a  hunter  who 
had  shot  it  near  Calumet  Lake,  Chicago,  Oct.  i,  1895  (Birds  of  the 
Chicago  Area,  1907,  p.  95). 

It  does  not  appear  to  have  been  observed  in  Wisconsin. 


159.     Buteo  lineatus  (GMEL.). 
RED-SHOULDERED  HAWK. 

Distr.:  Throughout  eastern  North  America,  north  to  Manitoba, 
breeding  throughout  its  range;  south  to  the  Gulf  states,  Texas,  and 
Mexico. 

Adult:  Four  outer  primaries  notched,  a  rufous  brown  patch  on 
the  "shoulder"  formed  by  the  lesser  wing  coverts;  upper  plumage, 
dark  brown,  mixed  with  rufous  and  showing  more  or  less  white  on  the 
wing  coverts;  primaries,  dark  brown,  with  large  broken  bars  of  white 
edged  with  pale  rufous;  most  of  under  parts,  rufous  brown,  with 
numerous  pale  bars;  the  shafts  of  the  feathers,  dark,  forming  narrow, 
longitudinal,  dusky  streaks;  tail,  slaty  brown,  banded  with  white; 
feet  and  cere,  greenish  yellow. 

Immature:  Above,  dark  brown,  mixed  with  rufous  and  dull  white; 
under  parts,  buffy  white,  streaked  with  dark  brown;  thighs,  pale  ru- 
fous, spotted  with  brown;  terminal  portion  of  primaries,  dark  brown, 
the  basal  portion,  pale  rufous  shading  into  white  on  the  inner  webs, 
and  with  imperfect  bars  of  dark  brown;  tail,  with  rather  faint  bars 
of  slaty  brown,  dark  brown  and  pale  rufous;  the  inner  webs  of  most 
of  the  feathers  marked  with  more  or  less  white;  rufous  "shoulder 
patch"  of  the  adult  broken  and  not  pronounced,  but  usually  more  or 
less  indicated. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  465 


Red-shouldered  Hawk  (adult). 

Male:  Length,  18  to  20.50;  wing,  11.60  to  13.25;  tail,  7  to  8.50; 
tarsus,  2.75  to  3.10. 

Female:  Length,  19.50  to  22.50;  wing,  12  to  14.25;  tail,  8.25  to 
9.25;  tarsus,  3.00  to  3.25. 

The  Red-shouldered  Hawk  is  a  common  summer  resident  in  Illinois 
and  not  uncommon  in  Wisconsin.  The  immature  birds  somewhat 
resemble  those  of  B.  borealis,  but  besides  other  differences  they  are 
smaller  and  the  tarsus  more  slender  and  less  feathered  than  in  that 
species. 

Usually  nests  in  a  large  tree.  The  eggs  are  3  to  5,  rarely  six, 
dull  white,  spotted  and  marked  various  shades  of  brown.  They 
measure  about  2.10  x  1.70  inches.  Incubation  usually  commences  in 
late  April  or  May  in  this  latitude. 


160.     Buteo  swainsoni  BONAP. 
SWAINSON'S  HAWK. 

Distr.:   Ranges   from   Wisconsin,  Illinois   and   Mississippi   Valley 
west  to  the  Pacific  Ocean,  and  from  the  Fur  Countries  south  to  South 


466     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

America  (Argentine  Republic).     Breeds  nearly  throughout  its  North 
American  range. 

Adult  male:    Three   outer   primaries,    notched;     upper   plumage, 
dark  brown,   mixed  with  rufous  brown  and  buff;    primaries,   dark 


Swainson's  Hawk. 


Immature. 


brown,  without  bars;  throat,  white;  a  large  rufous  brown  patch  on 
the  breast;  belly,  buff  white  or  whitish,  marked  with  dusky  and  ru- 
fous brown;  tail,  grayish  brown,  with  indistinct  dark  bands. 

Adult  female :  Similar,  but  has  the  under  marking  darker  and  the 
breast  about  the  same  color  as  the  back. 

Melanistic  plumage,  male  and  female:  Very  dark  or  blackish; 
specimens  of  this  species  are  often  taken  in  which  the  whole  plumage 
is  sooty  brown;  usually  the  under  tail  shows  pale  rufous  or  whitish 
markings,  but  specimens  are  common  representing  innumerable 
different  phases  of  plumage  between  the  light  and  dark  forms. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  467 

Immature:  Upper  parts,  dark  brown,  mixed  with  rufous  brown 
and  buff;  head,  neck,  and  under  parts,  pale  buff;  the  head,  streaked, 
and  the  under  parts  more  or  less  spotted  with  dusky. 

Male:  Length,  about  20;  wing,  14. 50  to  16;  tail,  8  to  9;  tarsus, 
about  2.50. 

Female:  Length,  20  to  22;  wing,  14.60  to  17;  tail,  8.50  to  10; 
tarsus,  2.50  to  2.85. 

While  the  various  color  differences  in  this  Hawk  may  be  confusing, 
it  may  be  distinguished  from  other  Hawks  except  the  Broad-winged 
Hawk,  which  is  much  smaller,  by  having  only  the  three  outer  primaries 
notched. 

Swainson's  Hawk  is  of  casual  occurrence  during  migrations  in 
Illinois,  and  according  to  Mr.  Nelson  it  breeds  in  southern  Illinois  and 
probably  does  so  occasionally  in  other  parts  of  the  state.  Ridgway 
states  (Orn.  of  Illinois,  p.  475) :  "Mr.  Nelson  found  it  breeding  on  Fox 
Prairie,  in  Richland  Co.,  during  the  summer  of  1875,  and  obtained 
specimens."  Mr.  Charles  K.  Worthen  has  taken  it  at  Warsaw,  111. 
Mr.  Isaac  E.  Hess  informs  me  that  a  set  of  three  eggs  of  this  species 
was  taken  by  Mr.  Jessee,  at  Lynn  Grove,  near  Philo,  Champaign  Co., 
111.,  in  1902. 

In  Wisconsin  it  is  not  common,  but  can  hardly  be  called  rare,  espe- 
cially during  the  fall  migrations.  I  have  been  unable  to  find  any  rec- 
ord of  its  breeding  in  Wisconsin,  although  it  probably  occasionally 
does  so,  as  it  is  a  common  summer  resident  in  Minnesota  and  breeds 
regularly  in  that  state. 

In  wooded  countries  the  nest  is  usually  built  in  large  trees,  but  it 
also  nests  on  the  ground  and  on  cliffs.  The  nest  is  a  mass  of  sticks, 
leaves,  and  grass  or  moss,  according  to  locality.  The  eggs  are  usually 
two,  rarely  three;  dull  white,  sometimes  washed  (rarely  spotted) 
with  brown.  They  measure  about  2.25  x  1.75  inches. 


Subgenus  TACHYTRIORCHIS  Kaup. 
161.     Buteo  platypterus  (VIEILL.). 
BROAD-WINGED  HAWK. 

Buteo  latissimus  (Wils.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  133. 

Distr. :  Throughout  eastern  North  America,  breeding  from  Canada 
to  the  Gulf  states;  south  in  winter  to  West  Indies,  Middle  America,  and 
South  America. 

Adult  male  and  female :  Three  outer  primaries,  notched;  primaries, 
dark  brown,  having  the  greater  portion  of  the  inner  webs  white,  with 


468J^FiELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

a  few  imperfect  brown  bars,  the  upper  surface  of  outer  webs,  entirely 
without  white;  upper  parts,  dark  brown,  the  feathers  margined  with 
pale  brown  and  pale  rufous  brown;  tail,  dark  brown,  with  two  grayish 
white  bars  and  tipped  with  whitish ;  feathers  of  the  under  parts  heav- 
ily barred  with  reddish  brown  and  dull  white. 

Immature:  Differs  from  the  adult  in  having  more  buff  about  the 
head;  under  parts,  buffy  white,  streaked  with  dark  brown;  tail, 
grayish  brown,  with  several  rather  obscure  and  irregular  bands  of 
dark  brown,  the  tips,  whitish. 

The  size,  combined  with  having  only  the  three  outer  primaries 
notched,  will  distinguish  this  species. 

Male:  Length,  13.30  to  15.00;  wing,  10.00  to  n;  tail,  6.25  to  7; 
tarsus,  2.40. 

Female:  Length,  15.50  to  17.50;  wing,  u  to  11.50;  tail,  about 
7.50;  tarsus,  2.50. 


Broad-winged  Hawk  (adult). 

The  Broad- winged  Hawk  is  common  during  the  migrations  and 
a  more  or  less  common  summer  resident  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  and 
breeds  in  many  localities.  Nests  in  trees,  usually  at  a  considerable 
height  from  the  ground.  The  eggs  are  three  to  five,  dull  white  or  pale 
buff,  blotched  and  washed  with  different  shades  of  brown.  They  meas- 
ure about  2.05  x  i. 60  inches.  Incubation  usually  begins  in  May  in 
this  latitude.  There  is  a  set  of  three  eggs  in  the  Field  Museum  col- 
lection taken  at  Joliet,  111.,  May  10,  1906. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  469 

Genus  ASTURINA   Vieill. 

162.     Asturina  plagiata  SCHLEGEL. 

MEXICAN  GOSHAWK. 

Distr.:  Mexican  species,  ranging  from  southwestern  United 
States  throughout  Mexico  and  Central  America  to  Panama.  Casual 
or  accidental  as  far  east  as  Illinois. 

Special  characters,  adult:  Upper  plumage,  slaty  gray;  upper  tail 
coverts,  white;  under  parts,  gray,  the  feathers  banded  with  white, 
giving  a  barred  appearance  to  the  entire  under  parts;  a  broad  white 
band  on  the  tail  and  also  a  second  white  band  narrower  and  more  im- 
perfect; wing,  9.40  to  11.75,  always  less  than  12.25;  tail,  less  than 
8.25  inches  long. 

Immature:  Upper  plumage,  brown;  upper  tail  coverts,  white; 
tail,  grayish  brown,  with  numerous  dark  brown  bands;  under  parts 
white,  the  feathers  of  the  breast  and  belly  marked  with  large  dark 
brown  spots;  flanks  barred  with  dark  brown;  wing,  9.40  to  11.75, 
always  less  than  12.25  inches  long;  tail,  less  than  8.25  inches  long, 
usually  about  7.50  inches. 

The  only  known  record  of  the  occurrence  of  this  species  in  Illinois 
is  that  of  Prof.  Ridgway  (Orn.  of  Illinois,  p.  463),  which  is  as  follows: 

"A  specimen  of  this  tropical  species  was  seen  by  the  writer  on 
Fox  Prairie,  in  Richland  Co.,  on  the  i9th  of  August,  1871.  It  several 
times  came  so  near  that  its  peculiar  markings  could  be  seen  with  per- 
fect distinctness  and,  the  writer  having  previously  handled  many 
stuffed  specimens,  there  cannot  be  the  slightest  doubt  as  to  the  cor- 
rectness of  its  identification."  Mr.  R.  M.  Anderson  records  a  pair 
of  these  birds  taken  by  Mr.  Walter  G.  Savage  in  Van  Buren  County, 
Iowa,  May  25,  1895.  (Birds  of  Iowa,  1907,  p.  251.) 

Genus   ARCHIBUTEO   Brehm. 
163.     Archibuteo  ferrugineus  (LIGHT.). 
FERRUGINOUS  ROUGH-LEGGED  HAWK. 

Distr. :  North  America,  chiefly  west  of  Mississippi  Valley,  breed- 
ing from  Utah  northward;  south  in  winter  to  Mexico;  casually  as 
far  east  as  Illinois. 

•  Special  characters:  Entire  front  of  tarsus  thickly  feathered.  This 
species  occurs  in  both  light  and  dark  phases  of  plumage,  the  former 
the  more  common;  but  the  feathering  of  the  tarsus  and  its  size  are 
good  diagnostic  characters. 


470     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Adult,  light  phase:   Upper  parts,  bright  rufous  brown,  mixed  with 
dark  brown,  the  centers  of  the  feathers  being  the  latter  color;    crown 


and  upper  back  mixed  with  more  or  less  white;  primaries,  dark  slaty 
brown,  the  basal  portion  of  the  inner  webs,  white;  under  parts,  white 
or  buffy  white,  sometimes  almost  unmarked  but  usually  showing 
streaks  of  rufous  brown  on  the  breast;  belly  heavily  barred  with 
dark  brown  and  rufous;  thighs,  deep  rufous  brown,  barred  with  black 
or  dark  brown;  tail,  ashy  white  below,  above  pale  ashy,  shading  into 
white  at  the  base  and  tip,  and  more  or  less  edged  with  rufous  brown. 

Adult,  dark  phase:  General  plumage,  dark  brown;  wings  and  tail 
similar  in  marking  to  the  light  phase  but  darker. 

Immature:  Upper  parts,  dark  brown,  mixed  with  tawny  and  buff; 
under  parts,  white,  streaked  and  spotted  with  dark  brown;  tail, 
without  bars,  the  color  variable,  the  greater  portion,  usually  ash  gray 
becoming  white  at  the  base. 

Male:    Length,  about  22;    wing,   16.50;    tail,  9.20;    tarsus,  2.70. 

Female:  Length,  about  23;  wing,  16.75  to  17.75;  ta^'  9-5°! 
tarsus,  2.90. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


471 


This  fine  Hawk  appears  to  be  of  accidental  occurrence  in  Illinois. 
Dr.  Coues  saw  one  in  Illinois  a  few  miles  east  of  the  Mississippi  River 
(Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  1877,  p.  26).  Kumlien  and  Hollister  record 
three  specimens  taken  in  Wisconsin,  two  at  Lake  Koshkonong  on 
November  10,  1893,  and  another  in  October,  1894.  Nelson  (Birds 
N.  E.  111.,  1876,  p.  151)  gives  it  as  having  been  observed  by  Dr.  Coues 
on  the  Illinois  side  of  the  Mississippi  River  near  Rock  Island,  in  the 
autumn  of  1876,  and  undoubtedly  refers  to  the  single  specimen 
observed  by  Dr.  Coues  mentioned  in  his  note  in  Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club, 
1877,  previously  mentioned.  W.  W.  Cooke  records  a  specimen 
taken  by  Mr.  Bolmer  at  Paris,  111.,  on  January  19,  1886,  and  states 
that  it  "has  been  found  nesting  at  Vermillion,  Dakota,  and  Grinnell, 
Iowa."  (Bird  Migr.  Miss. Val.,  1888,  p.  117.) 


164.     Archibuteo  lagopus  sancti-johannis  (GMEL.). 
AMERICAN  ROUGH-LEGGED  HAWK. 

Distr.:  North  America,  from  Gulf  states  northward;  breeds  chiefly 
north  of  the  United  States. 

Light  phase,  adult:  Four  outer  primaries,  notched;  entire  front  of 
tarsus,  thickly  feathered;  upper  plumage,  dark  brown,  the  feathers 
margined  with  tawny  buff  and  buffy  white;  primaries,  grayish  brown. 


American  Rough-legged  Hawk. 
(Dark  phase.) 


472     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

the  basal  portion  of  inner  webs  white;  upper  portion  of  tail,  whitish, 
lower  portion,  dark,  with  whitish  bars;  under  parts,  white  or  buff, 
more  or  less  streaked  and  spotted;  belly,  heavily  marked  with  black- 
ish and  buff,  forming  an  irregular  dark  band;  thighs,  tawny  or 
brownish  buff,  more  or  less  barred  with  black,  but  not  ferruginous  or 
deep  rufous  brown,  as  in  A.  ferrugineus. 

Immature:  Resembles  the  normal  adult,  but  the  terminal  portion 
of  tail  not  barred;  the  under  parts  more  heavily  marked  and  the 
blackish  band  on  the  belly  broader  and  more  perfect. 

Dark  phase,  adult  and  immature:  General  plumage,  blackish,  or 
dark  brown,  with  the  exception  of  forehead  and  inner  webs  of  anterior 
portion  of  primaries;  primaries  and  tail,  with  pale  bars. 

Various  intermediate  plumages,  too  varied  to  be  described,  occur 
between  the  light  and  dark  forms. 

Adult  male:  Length,  about  20;  wing,  16  to  18;  tail,  9  to  10.75. 

Adult  female:  Length,  about  22.50;  wing,  16.25  to  18.25;  tail, 
9.25  to  ii. 

The  American  Rough-legged  Hawk  is  not  uncommon  in  Illinois 
in  spring  and  fall  during  the  migrations,  and  a  few  remain  during  the 
winter.  Although  the  majority  go  farther  north  it  has  been  known 
to  breed  in  Wisconsin. 

Kumlien  and  Hollister  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  64)  state: 
"In  May,  1872,  a  pair  of  these  hawks  was  found  nesting  in  the 
eastern  part  of  Dane  County,  by  L.  Kumlien.  The  nest  was  placed 
in  a  low  burr  oak,  about  eight  feet  from  the  ground,  and  contained 
three  eggs  well  incubated." 


Genus   AQUILA   Brisson. 
165.     Aquila  chrysaetos  (LINN.). 
GOLDEN  EAGLE. 

Distr.:  North  America  and  part  of  Mexico  (also  parts  of  Europe, 
Asia,  and  Africa) ;  breeding  nearly  throughout  its  range,  usually  in  the 
mountainous  parts  of  unsettled  localities. 

Adult:  Tarsus,  entirely  feathered;  general  plumage,  dark  brown, 
lighter  brown  on  the  wing  and  tail  coverts ;  feathers  on  back  of  head 
and  nape,  golden  brown;  primaries,  dark  brown;  tail  feathers,  dark 
brown,  more  or  less  variegated  with  lighter  brown  and  grayish  at  the 
bases. 

Immature:  Similar  to  the  adult,  but  somewhat  darker  and  the 
basal  two  thirds  or  less,  of  the  tail  feathers,  white;  feathers  of  the  tarsi, 
pale  brown  or  whitish. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


473 


Golden  Eagle. 

Male:  Length,  30  to  36;  wing,  22.50  to  25;  tail,  14.50;  tarsus, 
3.60  to  3.75. 

Female:  Length,  35  to  39;  wing,  24  to  26.50;  tail,  15;  tarsus, 
4.05  to  4.25. 

The  Golden  Eagle  was  formerly  not  uncommon  in  winter  in  Illi- 
nois and  Wisconsin,  but  is  now  rare. 

Mr.  Isaac  E.  Hess  informs  me  he  has  a  Golden  Eagle  in  his  collec- 
tion taken  near  Philo,  Champaign  Co.,  Illinois,  May  13,  1899;  ha  also 
states  that  two  others  have  been  taken  in  that  vicinity  during  the 
last  seven  years.  Mr.  E.  W.  Nelson  writes  (Birds  N.  E.  Illinois,  1876- 
p.  120):  "  Not  very  uncommon  during  winter.  Arrives  in  November 
and  departs  early  in  spring.  Formerly  nested  throughout  the  state." 

I  can  find  no  record  of  the  eggs  having  been  actually  taken  in 
Illinois  and  only  one  for  Wisconsin,  that  of  Dr.  Hoy,  (Trans.  Wis- 
consin Agricultural  Society,  Vol.  I,  1852)  who  describes  the  nesting 
of  a  pair  in  a  large  oak  tree  near  Racine,  in  1851. 

The  nest  is  a  very  large  structure,  sometimes  in  the  top  of  a  tall 


474     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

tree,  but  more  commonly  on  a  rocky  cliff.  The  eggs  are  from  two 
to  four,  dull  white  or  washed  and  marked  with  brown.  They  meas- 
ure about  3  x  2.35  inches. 


Genus  HALLEETUS  Savigny. 

166.     Haliaeetus  leucocephalus  (LINN.). 
BALD  EAGLE. 

Distr.:  North  America  from  northern  Mexico  to  British  Columbia 
and  Ungava  (a  subspecies  occurs  in  Alaska),  breeding  throughout  its 
range. 

Adult:  Tarsus,  not  entirely  feathered  as  in  the  Golden  Eagle; 
head,  neck  and  tail,  white;  general  plumage,  dark  brown;  primaries, 


Bald  Eagle. 

black  or  blackish;  bill  and  feet,  yellow;  iris,  yellow.  The  sexes  are 
similar  but  the  female  is  larger  than  the  male.  The  adult  does  not 
assume  the  perfect  white  head  and  tail  until  the  third  year. 

Immature  (first  year) :  Very  dark  brown,  the  bases  of  the  feathers, 
white,  and  showing  more  or  less  in  the  plumage;  bill,  black;  iris, 
brown;  feet,  yellowish. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  475 

Immature  (second  year) :  General  plumage,  dark  grayish  brown, 
the  concealed  bases  of  the  feathers,  white,  and  more  or  less  exposed 
in  places;  feathers  on  back  of  head,  tipped  with  light  brown;  tail, 
brownish  black,  the  feathers  more  or  less  blotched  and  speckled  with 
white  on  the  inner  webs;  bill,  blackish;  feet,  yellowish. 

Male:  Length,  37  to  38.50;  wing,  22.50  to  24.50;  bill,  2.50. 

Female:  Length,  38  to  42.50;  wing,  24  to  26.50;  bill,  2.50  to  2.80. 

The  Bald  Eagle  occurs  more  or  less  commonly  throughout  Illinois 
and  Wisconsin  in  the  more  unsettled  localities,  and  breeds  through- 
out its  range.  Numerous  nesting  records. 

The  location  of  the  nest  varies  with  different  localities,  either  in 
large  trees  or  on  rocky  cliffs  and  even  on  the  ground,  according  to  Mr. 
Harry  C.  Oberholser,  who  writes  (Bull.  U.  S.  Dept.  of  Agriculture, 
1906,  p.  9) :  "  Where  there  are  no  trees,  a  rock  or  a  niche  in  a  cliff 
serves  the  purpose,  while  along  the  coast  of  Texas  nests  have  been 
found  even  on  the  ground  of  low  islands." 

The  eggs  are  usually  two,  dull  white,  and  measure  about  3  x  2.50 
inches.  Modification  commences  late  in  February  or  in  March  in 
this  latitude. 


Subfamily   FALCONING.       Falcons,   etc. 

Genus   FALCO   Linn. 
Suhgenus  HIEROFALCO  Cuvier. 
167.     Falco  rusticolus  LINN. 
GRAY  GYRFALCON. 

Distr. :  Arctic  America,  accidental  or  casual  in  winter  to  northern 
border  of  United  States. 

Adult:  Size,  large;  length,  Over  20  inches;  wing,  over  13;  tar- 
sus, feathered,  at  least  half  way  down  on  front  and  sides;  second 
primary,  longest;  first  primary,  shorter  than  third;  upper  plumage, 
mixed  slaty  brown  and  white,  the  feathers  being  barred  and  edged 
with  grayish  white  or  buffy  white;  under  parts,  white,  streaked  and 
marked  with  dusky;  under  tail,  coverts,  spotted  and  barred  with 
dusky;  tail  with  numerous  bands. 

Male:  Length,  about  21;  wing,  13.50  to  15;  tail,  8  to  9;  bill, 
about  .95;  tarsus,  about  2.35. 

Female:  Length,  23;  wing,  15  to  17;  tail,  9  to  10;  bill,  about  i; 
tarsus,  about  2.50. 


476     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


r»J,^ 


•a* 


S&Vii'Ss^i- !!*.«, 

~*"NI 


Gray  Gyrfalcon. 

Mr.  W.  E.  Snyder  records  the  capture  of  a  bird  of  this  species 
(Auk,  Vol.  22,  1905,  p.  413)  in  Wisconsin  by  Mr.  Fred  Dean,  near 
"Skunk  Island,"  on  Nov.  27,  1904,  and  states  that  the  specimen 
was  examined  by  Prof.  Robert  Ridgway  of  the  Smithsonian  Institu- 
tion, who  identified  it  as  an  immature  Falco  rusticolus. 

The  above  seems  to  be  the  only  authentic  record  of  the  occurrence 
of  a  Gyrfalcon  in  Wisconsin,  although  Kumlien  and  Hollister  write 
(Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  132):  "Some  species  of  gyrfalcon  has 
been  credited  to  the  fauna  of  Wisconsin  in  an  early  day,  a  thing  by 
no  means  impossible  or  unlikely,  but  there  is  no  actual  record 
obtainable  at  present." 

It  has  not  been  observed  in  Illinois.  W.  W.  Cooke  records  a 
specimen  taken  at  Manhattan,  Kansas,  December  i,  1880  (Bird 
Migr.  Miss.  Val.,  1888,  p.  118). 

Although,  so  far  as  known,  the  Gray  Gyrfalcon  is  the  only  one 
which  has  been  observed  within  our  limits,  it  is  not  unlikely  that  other 
forms  may  occur,  as  the  Gyrfalcon  and  Black  Gyrfalcon  have  been 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  477 

recorded  from  Dakota  and  Minnesota  (W.  W.  Cooke,  Bird  Migration 
Miss.  Val.,  1888,  p.  118). 

The  following  brief  synopsis  of  the  two  forms  may  be  useful: 

GYRFALCON.     Falco  rusticolus  gyrfalco  (Linn.). 

Size  of  Gray  Gyrfalcon;  back,  grayish,  the  barring  irregular, 
sometimes  wanting;  tail,  like  back,  showing  imperfect  pale  bars; 
head,  streaked;  under  parts,  heavily  streaked  with  whitish  and  brown- 
ish gray. 

Specimen  taken  at  Vermillion,  Dakota,  Oct.  21,  1880,  by  Dr. 
Agersborg  (Cooke). 

BLACK  GYRFALCON.     Falco  rusticolus  obsoletus  (GmeU. 

Size  about  the  same  as  preceding;  general  color  above  and  below, 
dusky  or  dusky  slate  color,  without  bars ;  the  dark  under  parts  more 
or  less  marked  with  buff. 

"Has  been  taken  in  Minnesota  a  few  times  as  a  rare  winter  visi- 
tant. A  specimen  has  been  examined  by  Mr.  Ridgway."  (Cooke.) 

168.     Falco  mexicanus  SCHLEG. 
PRAIRIE  FALCON. 

Distr.:  Western  species,  ranging  from  the  plains  to  the  Pacific, 
south  to  Mexico;  accidental  as  far  east  as  Illinois. 

Adult:  First  primary,  notched;  second  primary,  slightly  notched 
about  one  and  a  quarter  inches  from  tip ;  second  primary,  very  slightly 
longer  than  third;  upper  plumage,  grayish  brown,  the  feathers  edged 
and  more  or  less  barred  with  buff  or  pale  rusty  brown;  tail,  pale 
brownish  gray,  most  of  the  feathers  barred  with  brownish  white; 
primaries,  grayish  brown,  with  numerous  white  bars  on  the  inner  webs 
which  do  not  reach  the  shaft  of  the  feathers  and  the  inner  portion 
of  these  white  marks  tinged  with  pale  brown;  under  parts,  dull  white, 
streaked  and  spotted  with  dark  brown,  heaviest  on  sides;  a  brown 
stripe  on  sides  of  throat. 

Immature:  Upper  plumage,  grayish  brown,  the  feathers-  edged 
with  rusty  brown;  under  parts,  buffy  white  or  pale  buff,  streaked 
with  dusky;  axillars,  plain  dusky,  without  bars. 

Male:  Length,  16.75  to  J8;  wing,  11.50  to  12.50;  tail,  7;  tarsus, 
about  2. 

Female:  Length,  18  to  19.50;  wing,  12.50  to  14;  tail,  8.50;  tar- 
sus, 2..25. 

This  species  is  of  accidental  occurrence  in  Illinois.  Ridgway 
writes  (Orn.  of  Illinois,  p.  431):  "A  specimen  was  obtained  at  Rock 
Island  by  Mr.  I.  D.  Sargent  of  Philadelphia,  and  by  him  presented  to 


478     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

the  Academy  of  Natural  Sciences  in  that  city;  while  it  has  been 
observed  on  two  occasions  by  the  writer,  once  near  Mount  Carmel 
and  once  in  Lawrence  County  (near  the  town  of  Bridgeport),  both 
during  the  month  of  September,  1871." 

There  is  no  satisfactory  record  for  Wisconsin.  According  to 
Kumlien  and  Hollister  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  132)  a  bird  came 
into  the  possession  of  Thure  Kumlien  in  a  badly  decomposed  state 
sometime  in  the  early  sixties,  "  which  was  never  satisfactorily  identi- 
fied otherwise  than  as  a  young  prairie  falcon." 


Subgenus   RHYNCHODON   Nitzsch. 
169.     Falco  peregrinus  anatum  (BONAP.). 
DUCK  HAWK.     PEREGRINE  FALCON. 

Distr.:  North  America,  breeding  in  many  parts  of  the  United 
States;  south  in  winter  as  far  as  Chile,  South  America. 

Adult.  Crown,  blackish,  rest  of  upper  plumage,  slaty  plumbeous, 
or  dark  bluish  ash  color,  the  edges  of  the  feathers,  paler;  under  parts, 
varying  from  white  to  buff,  barred  and  spotted  with  blackish,  except 
on  the  throat  and  breast,  which  are  usually  free  from  markings;  sides 
of  face  below  the  eye,  black;  primaries,  blackish,  barred  on  inner  webs 
with  buffy  white;  upper  surface  of  tail,  faintly  barred  with  gray,  the 
tips,  whitish;  under  surface  of  tail  feathers,  grayish  brown;  barred 
with  whitish;  most  of  bill,  black,  the  cere  and  base  of  bill,  yellow; 
feet,  dull  yellow. 

Immature:  Crown,  tawny,  streaked  with  dark  brown,  rest  of  upper 
parts,  dark  slate  color,  mixed  with  rusty  brown  and  rufous;  under 
parts,  tawny  or  ochraceous  buff,  streaked  (not  barred)  and  marked 
with  dark  brown,  except  on  the  throat  which  is  usually  immaculate 
or  at  most  marked  with  a  few  hair-like  lines;  a  black  streak  below 
the  eye,  extending  down  sides  of  throat;  inner  webs  of  primaries, 
barred  with  buff;  tail,  grayish  brown,  with  irregular  bars  of  pale 
rufous,  the  tips,  white. 

Male:  Length,  16.50;   wing,  12  to  13;  tail,  6.50;  tarsus,  1.70. 

Female:  Length,  18.50;  wing,  13  to  14.75;  tail,  7  to  8;  tarsus, 
i. 80. 

Although  by  no  means  common,  the  Duck  Hawk  occurs  in  Illinois 
and  Wisconsin  during  the  migrations  in  spring  and  fall  and  a  few  re- 
main during  the  summer.  Prof.  Ridgway  found  several  pairs  nesting 
in  the  neighborhood  of  Mt.  Carmel,  111.  (Orn.  of  Illinois,  p.  1889,  p.  433). 
Kumlien  and  Hollister  state  that  it  formerly  bred  at  Racine,  Wis- 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  479 


Duck  Hawk. 

The  nest  is  placed  on  cliffs  or  in  hollows  in  branches  of  large  trees. 
It  has  also  been  known  to  nest  on  the  ground.  The  nests  found  near 
Mt.  Carmel  were  placed  in  cavities  in  the  tops  of  very  large  sycamore 
trees.  The  eggs  are  two  to  four,  rarely  five.  They  are  dull  white, 
washed  and  blotched  with  different  shades  of  brown,  and  measure 
about  2.20  x  1.70  inches. 


Subgenus   T1NNUNCUI.US   Vieill. 
170.     Falco  columbarius  LINN. 

PIGEON  HAWK. 

Distr.:  North  America,  West  Indies,  south  to  northern  South 
America;  breeds  from  the  northern  border  of  United  States  north- 
ward. 

Adult:  Second  primary  but  slightly  longer  than  the  third;  upper 
plumage,  slate  color;  back  and  sides  of  neck,  marked  with  tawny 


480     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Pigeon  Hawk. 

and  buff;  primaries,  slaty  brown,  barred  with  white;  on  inner  webs, 
brownish  black,  barred  and  tipped  with  grayish  white;  under  parts, 
tawny  buff,  thickly  streaked  with  brown  except  on  the  throat. 

Immature:  Upper  plumage,  dark  grayish  brown;  crown  with 
narrow  dark  streaks;  throat,  whitish;  under  parts,  tawny  or  buffy 
white,  streaked  with  brown;  primaries,  barred  with  pale  rufous  buff; 
tail,  barred  with  pale  buff  and  tipped  with  dull  white. 

Male:  Length,  10.25  to  11.25;  wmg.  7-45  to  7.80;  tail,  about  5; 
tarsus,  1.35. 

Female:  Length,  12  to  13;  wing,  8.25  to  8.50;  tail,  about  5.40; 
tarsus,  1.55. 

The  Pigeon  Hawk  is  not  uncommon  during  the  migrations  in 
spring  and  fall  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin  and  it  has  occasionally  been 
observed  in  summer.  Kumlien  and  Hollister  consider  it  "A  rare 
summer  resident  in  southern  Wisconsin,  but  it  not  infrequently  re- 
mains in  the  central  and  northern  parts  of  the  state.  Dr.  Hoy  speaks 
of  its  nesting  near  Racine  in  1852."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  66.) 

Nests  on  cliffs  or  in  hollows  in  large  trees.  The  eggs  are  four  or 
five,  very  variable  in  color,  ranging  from  dull  white,  faintly  spotted, 
to  brown,  either  washed  or  heavily  blotched  with  different  shades  of 
reddish  brown  or  dark  brown.  They  measure  about  i. 60  x  1.25  inches. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  481 

I70a.     Falco  columbarius  richardsonii  (Rioow.). 
RICHARDSON'S  PIGEON  HAWK.     RICHARDSON'S  MERLIN. 

Falco  richardsonii  Ridgw.,  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  139. 

Distr. :  North  America,  west  of  the  Mississippi  Valley,  from  the 
Saskatchewan  to  Arizona  and  west  to  the  Pacific  coast;  accidental 
in  Wisconsin. 

This  western  form  may  be  distinguished  from  F.  columbarius  by 
its  lighter  color,  the  tail  banded  by  six  pale  and  five  darker  bands; 
and  outer  webs  of  primaries,  distinctly  spotted. 

Mr.  Charles  K.  Worthen  writes  me  he  has  killed  a  bird  of  this 
species  at  Warsaw,  111.,  and  according  to  Kumlien  and  Hollister  a 
number  of  specimens  have  been  taken  in  Wisconsin.  They  write: 
"  We  have  two  specimens  from  Stevens  Point  and  have  taken  it 
several  times  during  the  past  ten  years  at  Lake  Koshkonong. 
*  *  *  *  A  fine  specimen  in  Mr.  Skavlem's  collection  was  shot  near 
Janesville  in  the  fall  of  1886. "(Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  67.)  It 
has  also  been  recorded  from  Michigan,  Minnesota,  South  Dakota,  and 
Iowa. 

Subgenus  CERCHNEIS  Boile. 
171.  Falco  sparverius  LINN. 
AMERICAN  SPARROW  HAWK. 

Distr.:  "North  America,  east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains,  and  from 
Great  Slave  Lake  south  to  northern  South  America."  (A.  O.  U.) 

Adult  male:  Top  of.  head,  bluish  slate  color,  with  a  spot  of  rufous 
brown  on  back  of  crown;  back,  rufous  brown,  banded  with  black; 
ramp  and  tail,  rufous  brown,  irregularly  marked  with  more  or 
less  black  and  having  a  broad  subterminal  band  of  black  tipped  with 
white;  wing  coverts,  slate  color,  marked  with  black;  primaries,  dark 
grayish  brown,  banded  with  white  on  the  inner  webs;  a  stripe  of  black 
extending  from  beneath  the  eye  down  the  side  of  the  throat;  throat, 
whitish;  breast,  brownish  buff;  sides  of  belly,  buffy  white,  spotted 
with  black. 

Adult  female:  Crown,  rufous;  the  nape,  slate  color;  rest  of  upper 
parts,  rufous  brown,  banded  with  black;  upper  surface  of  tail,  bright 
rufous  brown,  with  numerous  narrow  bands  of  black,  and  narrowly 
tipped  with  buffy  white;  primaries,  banded  with  brown  and  white 
and  with  more  or  less  rufous  bordering  the  shafts;  under  parts,  dull 
white  or  buffy  white,  streaked  with  pale  brown. 


482     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Male.  American   Sparrow   Hawk.  Female. 

Male:  Length,  8.60;   wing,  6.60  to  8;   tail,  4.40;   tarsus,  1.35. 

Female:  Length,  10  to  12;  wing,  7  to  8.20;  tail,  about  4.50; 
tarsus,  1.40. 

The  Sparrow  Hawk  is  a  common  summer  resident  in  Illinois  and 
Wisconsin,  arriving  from  the  south  in  late  March  or  early  in  April,  and 
leaving  in  October.  The  birds  build  no  nest,  the  eggs  being  deposited 
in  hollow  trees  (sometimes  deserted  woodpeckers'  holes)  or  occasion- 
ally on  a  ledge  of  rocks. 

The  eggs  are  five  to  seven,  pale  brownish  or  cream  buff,  blotched 
and  spotted  with  dark  brown,  varying  from  this  to  buff  white  or  dull 
white  and  showing  a  few  faint  spots  of  pale  brown.  They  measure 
about  1.30  x  1.15  inches. 

The  following  sets  of  eggs  from  northern  Illinois  are  contained  in 
the  Field  Museum  collection:  4,  Joliet,  111.,  May  16,  1906;  5,  Lake 
Forest,  111.,  May  23,  1906;  4,  Joliet,  111.,  June  19,  1906. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  483 

Subfamily    PANDIONIN^.       Ospreys,    Fish   Hawks. 

Genus  PANDION  Savig. 
172.     Pandion  haliaetus  carolinensis  (GMEL.) 
AMERICAN  OSPREY.     FISH  HAWK. 

Distr.:  Greater  portion  of  North  America,  the  West  Indies  and 
northern  South  America ;  common  in  the  eastern  United  States ; 
breeds  nearly  throughout  its  range. 

Adult:  Head  and  neck,  white,  the  crown  streaked  with  dusky, 
and  a  blackish  stripe  from  the  eye  to  the  nape;  upper  plumage, 


American  Osprey. 

fuscous  brown,  the  feathers  more  or  less  edged  with  white;  tail,  dark 
brown,  barred  w'ith  dusky  and  tipped  with  white,  and  all  but  the  mid- 
dle feathers  barred  with  white  on  the  inner  webs;  under  parts,  white; 
bill,  dark;  feet,  grayish  blue. 

Immature  birds  are  darker  on  the  upper  parts  and  show  less  white. 


484     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Length,  21  to  26;  wing,  17.50  to  20.50;  tail,  7.25  to  10;  tarsus, 
1.90  to  2.30. 

The  Osprey,  or  "  Fish  Hawk  "  as  it  is  often  called,  is  a  summer 
resident  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin.  While  not  rare  it  can  not  be  con- 
sidered as  common.  Its  food  consists  of  .fish  which  it  captures  with 
great  dexterity. 

The  nest  is  a  large  mass  of  sticks  mixed  with  weeds,  usually  in  a 
tree  or  on  the  top  of  a  dead  stump,  rarely  on  rocks  or  ground.  The 
eggs  are  from  two  to  four,  dull  white  or  buff  white,  washed  and 
blotched  with  chocolate  and  other  shades  of  brown.  They  measure 
about  2.45  x  i. 80  inches.  In  Illinois  nidification  commences  the 
latter  part  of  March,  the  breeding  season  lasting  until  May  and  occa- 
sionally later.  Birds  of  this  species  when  not  disturbed  return  to  the 
same  nesting  ground  year  after  year. 


Suborder  STRIGES.     Owls. 

Owls  are  nocturnal  birds  of  prey.  There  are  about  200  species 
of  cosmopolitan  distribution,  of  which  some  20  or  more  occur  in  North 
America.  Their  food  consists  principally  of  mammals,  but  they  also 
kill  birds.  Some  species  nest  in  holes  in  trees,  while  others  build  a 
rough  nest  of  sticks.  The  Burrowing  Owl  deposits  its  eggs  in  holes  in 
the  ground  and  the  Short-eared  Owl  chooses  a  grassy  marsh  for  its 
breeding  place.  The  eggs  of  all  species  are  usually  two  and  always 
white. 


Family   ALUCONID^.       Barn  Owls. 

Genus  ALUCO   Fleming. 

173.     Aluco  pratincola  (BONAP.). 

BARN  OWL. 

Strix  pratincola  Bonap.,  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  142. 

Distr.:  Throughout  United  States,  Mexico,  and  northern  West 
Indies,  more  common  in  southern  states,  rarely  as  far  north  as  southern 
Canada;  breeds  casually  as  far  north  as  latitude  40°. 

Adult:  Upper  plumage,  tawny  or  tawny  buff,  the  feathers  beauti- 
fully variegated  with  gray  and  spotted  with  brown  and  white;  upper 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  485 


parts  ranging  in  different  specimens  from  pure  white  to  buff,  marked 
with  scattered  spots  of  brown;  facial  disks  varying  from  white  to 
tawny  and  bordered  with  buff,  or  in  some  cases  dark  brown;  a  brown 
spot  in  front  of  the  eye;  primaries,  tawny,  shading  to  white  on  the 
inner  webs  and  banded  with  dark  brown ;  tail,  varying  from  white  to 
tawny,  usually  mottled  and  banded  with  brown;  iris,  black. 

Length,  15  to  20;  wing,  12.25  to  13.75;  bill,  .95;  tarsus,  about 
2.60. 

The  Barn  Owl  is  of  casual  occurrence  in  northern  Illinois  and  has 
been  taken  several  times  in  Wisconsin.  It  probably  breeds  regularly 
in  southern  Illinois.  There  are  a  number  of  records  of  its  having  been 
taken  in  the  state,  among  which  is  that  of  an  adult  male  killed  in 
Jackson  Park,  Chicago,  August  15,  1896.  The  specimen  is  now  in 
the  collection  of  the  Field  Museum  of  Natural  History.  Mr.  Charles 
W.  Douglass  of  Waukegan,  111.,  has  a  mounted  specimen  in  his  col- 
lection, taken  near  that  city. 

Although  rather  rare  in  Wisconsin,  according  to  Kumlien  and 
Hollister,  specimens  have  been  taken  near  Racine  (Hoy)  and  in  Jef- 
ferson County,  Janesville,  La  Crosse,  and  Ripon.  "The  only  authentic 
breeding  record  we  have  for  the  state  (Wisconsin)  is  furnished  us 
by  Mr.  H.  H.  T.  Jackson  of  Milton,  who  saw  in  Green  County,  in 
April,  1899,  a  live  female  with  three  eggs,  which  had  been  taken 
from  a  hollow  burr  oak  tree."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  68.) 


486     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Nests  in  a  hollow  tree  or  bank,  sometimes  in  buildings.  The  eggs 
are  usually  six  to  nine,  dull  white  or  yellowish  white,  and  measure 
about  1.75  x  1.25  inches. 


Family  STRIGID^.      Horned  Owls,  Screech 
Owls,   etc. 

Genus  ASIO    Brisson. 
174.     Asio  wilsonianus  (PALL.). 
AMERICAN  LONG-EARED  OWL. 

Distr.:  Temperate  North  America  to  Mexico;  breeds  throughout 
its  range. 

Adult:  Ear  tufts,  very  noticeable,  usually  an  inch  or  more  long; 
first  primary  only,  notched  or  emarginate;  upper  plumage,  dark 

brown,  finely  mottled  with  gray- 
ish white;  bases  of  the  feathers, 
tawny;  under  parts,  buff  and 
dull  white,  streaked  with  dark 
brown  on  the  breast;  belly  and 
sides,  barred  with  dark  brown; 
facial  disk,  pale  brown,  edged 
with  blackish;  tail,  with  numer- 
ous dark  brown  bars. 
Sexes  similar. 

Length,  about    14.50;    wing, 
11.80;  tail,  6. 

This  species  is  a  not  uncommon  summer  resident  in  Illinois  and 
Wisconsin,  and  breeds  in  suitable  localities  in  both  states. 

It  nests  in  various  places,  sometimes  in  a  hollow  tree  or  among 
the  branches,  at  others  on  rocks  or  even  on  the  ground.  It  often  uses 
an  old  deserted  nest  of  a  crow  or  hawk.  The  eggs  are  white,  five  to 
seven  in  number,  and  measure  about  1.55  x  1.35  inches.  The  breed- 
ing season  lasts  from  late  March  until  May.  There  is  a  set  of  5  eggs 
in  the  Field  Museum  collection  taken  at  Grinnell,  Iowa,  May  i,  1893. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  487 


Screech  Owl. 
Great-horned  Owl. 


Saw-whet    Owl. 
Short-eared  Owl. 


Illustrating  comparative  difference  in  size. 


FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


175.     Asio  flammeus  (PONTOPPIDAN). 
SHORT-EARED  OWL. 

Asio  accipitrinus  (Pall.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  142. 

Distr.:  North  America;  breeds  from  about  latitude  39°  north- 
ward. 

Adult:  Ear  tufts,  very  short,  hardly  noticeable  in  some  specimens; 
first  and  second  primaries,  notched;  general  plumage,  streaked  and 


Short-eared  Owl. 


marked  with  dark  brown  and  tawny;  belly,  streaked;  primaries  and 
tail,  barred  with  dark  brown  and  tawny;  facial  disk,  whitish,  more 
or  less  speckled  and  marked  with  black  around  the  eye;  iris,  yellow. 

Sexes,  similar. 

Length,  about  14.75;   wmg>  I2  to  13;   tail,  6. 

This  species  is  common  in  spring  and  fall  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin 
during  the  migrations,  and  a  not  uncommon  resident  throughout 
the  year.  It  frequents  the  prairies  and  marshes.  It  has  been  found 
nesting  in  Cook  County,  Illinois  (Kennicott),  and  Mr.  F.  M.  Woodruff 
found  it  breeding  "a  few  miles  south  of  Chicago,  at  Lowell,  Indiana." 
(Bull.  Chicago  Acad.  of  Sciences,  No.  VI,  1907,  p.  102.) 

The  nest  is  usually  built  on  the  ground  and  consists  of  a  little  grass 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


489 


and  feathers.     The  eggs  are  white,  four  to  seven  in  number,  and  meas- 
ure about  1.55  x  1.25  inches.     Breeds  late  in  April  or  in  May. 


Genus  STRIX   Linnaeus. 
176.     Strix  varia  BARTON. 
BARRED  OWL. 

Syrnium  nebula  sum  (Forst.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  143. 

Distr. :  Southern  and  eastern  United  States,  north  to  Nova  Scotia 
and  Canada;  breeds  throughout  its  range. 

Adult:  No  ear  tufts;  toes,  feathered;  tail,  rounded;  upper  plumage, 
umber  brown,thickly  barred  with  buff  and  whitish;  breast,  the  same; 


belly,  whitish,  heavily  streaked  (not  barred)  with  dark  brown;  wings 
and  tail  barred  with  gray  and  pale  brown,  many  of  the  bars  edged  with 
whitish;  facial  disk  with  circles  of  brown  around  eyes;  iris,  brownish 
black. 

Length,  17.50  to  20;   wing,  12.75  to  I3-5°!   tail,  9  to  10.25. 

The  Barred  Owl  is  a  common  resident  in  wooded  localities  in  Illi- 
nois and  Wisconsin.  The  nest  is  in  a  hollow  tree,  or  sometimes  a 


4Qo     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

deserted  crow's  or  hawk's  nest  is  used.  The  eggs  are  white,  two  to 
four  in  number,  and  measure  about  2  x  1.75  inches.  Breeds  in  March 
and  April  and  farther  south  somewhat  earlier.  There  is  a  set  of  3 
eggs  in  the  Field  Museum  collection  taken  in  Clark  Co.,  Missouri, 
March  i,  1896. 

The  "hoot"  of  the  Barred  Owl  may  be  described  as  hoo-hoo, 
h-hoo-hoo,  ho-hoo-o-o.  The  notes  are  as  a  rule  several  tones  higher 
than  those  of  the  Great  Horned  Owl  and  the  hoot  is  longer.  It  also 
utters  a  wild  scream. 


Genus  SCOTIAPTEX  Swainson. 
177.     Scotiaptex  nebulosa  (FORSTER). 
GREAT  GRAY  OWL. 

Scotiaptex  cinerea   (Gmel.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  144. 
Distr. :   Arctic  species  which  occurs  in  winter  as  far  south  as  New 
England  and  Illinois. 


Great  Gray  Owl. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  491 

Adult:  The  largest  of  our  owls ;  no  ear  tufts;  feet,  thickly  feathered; 
general  plumage,  dark  brown,  mottled  and  marked  with  grayish 
white;  facial  disk,  gray,  marked  with  fine  dark  brown  rings  concen- 
tric with  each  eye;  under  parts,  more  heavily  streaked  on  the  breast; 
iris  and  bill,  yellow. 

Length,  about  25  to  29;  wing,  16.25. to  18.25;  tail,  about  12; 
bill,  i. 

The  Great  Gray  Owl  is  of  rare  occurrence  in  Illinois.  Kennicott 
(1854)  records  it  from  Cook  County,  and  Mr.  E.  W.  Nelson  (Birds  N. 
E.  Illinois,  p.  116)  gives  it  as  "a  very  rare  winter  visitant." 

In  Wisconsin  Dr.  Hoy  gives  it  as  having  been  taken  near  Racine 
in  1848.  Kumlien  and  Hollister  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  p.  70)  write: 
"  Two  specimens  were  sent  Thure  Kumlien  from  Bark  River  woods, 
Jefferson  County,  about  the  same  time  (1848).  We  have  received 
two  specimens  from  Iron  River,  taken  in  November,  1891.  *  *  *  * 
If  we  could  trust  reports  from  hunters  and  residents  in  the  Lake 
Superior  region,  we  would  say  that  it  is  not  rare  in  winter  in  that 
section,  particularly  during  severe  weather."  King  (Geology  of 
Wisconsin,  1883,  p.  580)  gives  it  as  a  winter  resident. 


Genus  GLAUX   iMorris. 
178.     Glaux  funerea  richardsoni  (BONAP.). 
RICHARDSON'S  OWL. 

Nyctala  tengmalmi  richardsoni  (Bonap.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895, 
p.  144. 

Distr.:  Arctic  America;  casual  in  winter  in  northern  United  States 
as  far  south  as  New  England  and  Illinois ;  breeds  north  of  the.  United 
States. 

Adult :  Upper  plumage,  dark  cinnamon  brown,  more  or  less  marked 
with  white;  under  parts,  streaked  with  white;  top  of  head  with  white 
spots ;  a  black  spot  in  front  of  the  eye ;  more  or  less  white  on  the  face ; 
primaries,  brown,  marked  with  pure  white  irregular  spots;  tail, 
brown,  with  imperfect  bands  of  white;  toes,  thickly  feathered;  legs  and 
feet,  more  or  less  marked  with  dark  brown. 

Length,  9.50  to  12;  wing,  6.50  to  7.50;  tail,  about  4.40. 

Richardson's  Owl  must  be  considered  a  rare  bird  within  our  limits. 
Mr.  J..E.  Deckinson  records  the  capture  of  a  bird  of  this  species 
in  Rockford,  Winnebago  County,  Illinois  (Ornithologist  and  Oologist, 
March,  1885  p.  47)  as  follows:  "Captured  one  Richardson's  Owl, 
October  15,  1884.  He  flew  against  a  store  window  and  was  slightly 


492     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Richardson's    Owl. 

stunned."  Mr.  Ruthven  Deane  states  (Auk,  1903,  p.  305):  "I  am 
indebted  to  Mr.  Robert  H.  Van  Schaack  for  the  following  informa- 
tion: 'The  Richardson's  Owl  was  shot  by  my  son,  Louis  F.  Van 
Schaack,  Dec.  26,  1902,  in  Kenilworth,  111.  He  found  the  bird  along 
a  small  ditch  that  drains  from  the  Skokie  Swamp.  He  shot  the 
owl  with  a  toy  air-gun.  I  examined  the  specimen  while  in  the 
possession  of  the  taxidermist  who  mounted  it,  who  informed  me  that 
he  had  mounted  another  specimen  of  this  species  about  the  same  time, 
which  was  said  to  have  been  shot  not  far  from  Chicago.'  " 

In  a  later  article  Mr.  Deane  writes  (Auk,  1903,  p.  443) :  "In  record- 
ing the  second  capture  of  this  owl  from  the  state,  I  mentioned  that 
another  specimen  had  been  reported,  but  that  I  was  then  unable  to 
get  any  definite  information  as  to  locality  and  date.  Through  the 
kindness  of  Mr.  Frederick  C.  Pierce  of  Chicago,  I  am  now  enabled  to 
record  a  third  specimen  which  was  taken  in  Cicero,  in  December,  1902, 
and  is  now  in  his  possession." 

In  Wisconsin  Dr.  Hoy  and  Mr.  King  include  it  in  their  lists  of 
Wisconsin  birds.  Kumlien  and  Hollister  state  (Birds  of  Wisconsin, 
1903,  p.  70):  "A  very  rare  visitant  in  southern  Wisconsin  during 
winter.  Probably  occurs  more  frequently  in  the  northern  part  of 
the  state.  Dr.  Hoy  records  a  single  specimen  taken  at  Racine,  Nov. 
30,  1850.  Thure  Kumlien  procured  three  or  four  specimens  in  Dane 
and  Jefferson  Counties  during  nearly  fifty  year's  residence  in  those 
parts.  L.  Kumlien  has  taken  two,  one  in  Dane  County,  1869,  and  one 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


493 


at  Fort  Atkinson,  August,  1872.  Mr.  J.  N.  Clark,  of  Meridian,  Dunn 
County,  took  one  specimen,  February  24,  1893,  capturing  it  in  his 
hands  from  the  side  of  a  straw  stack.  One  specimen  (no  record)  is 
preserved  in  the  Milwaukee  Public  Museum." 

179.     Glaux  acadicus  (GMEL.). 
SAW-WHET  OWL.     ACADIAN  OWL. 

Nyctala  acadica  (Gmel.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  P-  :45- 
Distr. :    Throughout   North  America,  breeding  from  the  middle 

states  northward;    occurs  in  mountainous  districts  in  the  West  as  far 

south  as  Mexico. 

Adult:    Decidedly  smaller  than  Richardson's  Owl,  which  is  the 

only  species  with  which  it  might  be  confounded ;   top  of  head,  streaked 


Immature. 


Saw -whet  Owl. 


(not  spotted) ;  upper  plumage,  dark  cinnamon  brown,  more  or  less 
marked  with  white,  but  mostly  on  the  nape  and  upper  back;  tail  and 
wings,  cinnamon  brown,  marked  with  white;  legs  and  feet,  plain  buff 
or  buffy  white,  without  dark  spots  or  marks. 

Immature  birds  have  the  face  dusky  and  a  white  streak  over  the 
eye. 

Length,  7.20  to  8.50;   wing,  5.20  to  5.85;  tail,  about  3. 

This  interesting  little  species  is  not  uncommon  in  'Illinois  and 
Wisconsin.  Numerous  specimens  have  been  taken  in  and  about 
Chicago,  more  commonly  in  winter.  While  it  has  occasionally  been 
observed  in  summer,  there  are  no  records  of  its  breeding  in  Illinois. 


494     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

It  is  known  to  breed  in  Wisconsin,  where  it  is  not  uncommon,  and  is 
resident  throughout  the  year. 

Dr.  Hoy  states  that  its  eggs  have  been  taken  near  Racine.  Kum- 
lien  and  Hollister  write:  "It  certainly  used  to  breed  in  Jefferson 
County  and  Thure  Kumlien  took  specimens  in  May  and  at  least 
once  in  August."  S.  E.  Willard  states  that  it  breeds  in  Brown  and 
Outagamie  Counties  (Trans.  Wis.  Acad.  Sciences,  Vol.  VI,  1883, 
p.  188). 

Nidification  usually  begins  in  April.  The  nest  is  placed  in  a  hole 
in  some  tree  or  stump,  occasionally  a  deserted  woodpecker's  nest 
being  used.  The  eggs  are  white,  from  three  to  five  in  number,  and 
measure  about  1.20  x  i  inches. 


Genus   OTUS   Pennant. 

180.     Otus  asio  (LINN.). 
SCREECH  OWL. 

Megascops  asio  (Linn.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  145. 

Distr.:  Eastern  North  America,  Canada  to  Georgia;  breeds  nearly 
throughout  its  range. 

Adult  (gray  plumage):  Toes  with  small,  scattered,  bristly  feathers; 
not  thickly  feathered;  well  developed  ear  tufts,  sometimes  an  inch  long, 
differing  in  this  from  the  other  small  owls;  upper  plumage,  brownish 
gray,  mottled  with  buff  and  streaked  with  black;  under  parts,  gray 
on  the  breast  and  dull  white  on  the  belly,  streaked  with  black  and 
finely  barred  with  buff  and  dusky;  under  surface  of  primaries,  brown, 
barred  with  brownish  white. 

Adult  (rufescent  plumage) :  Upper  plumage,  bright  rufous  brown, 
with  a  few  small  black  streaks,  mostly  on  the  crown  and  wing  cov- 
erts; under  parts,  whitish,  mixed  with  rufous  brown  and  streaked 
with  black;  ear  tufts,  like  back;  face  showing  more  or  less  white. 

Length,  about  8.25  to  10;   wing,  6  to  7 ;   tail,  2.90. 

The  Screech  Owl  is  a  common  resident  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin, 
and  is  a  familiar  bird  in  wooded  districts  where,  from  its  partiality 
to  mice  and  English  sparrows,  it  is  a  decided  benefit  to  the  agricultur- 
ist. While  the  majority  of  birds  of  this  species  appear  to  be  gray, 
it  is  dichromatic,  having  two  distinct  phases  of  plumage,  one  grayish 
and  the  other  bright  rufous  brown,  which  apparently  have  no  relation 
to  age  or  sex,  both  red  and  gray  birds  being  found  occasionally  in  the 
same  nest. 

It  utters  a  soft,  trilling  note,  and  again  a  harsh  screech,  varying 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


495 


Abe 


in  intensity  and  at  times  somewhat  resembling  the  cry  made  by  a  cat 
when  expressing  his  disapprobation  of  a  rival.  Taken  when  young 
they  are  easily  tamed  and  made  amusing  pets. 

The  eggs  are  deposited  in  holes  in  trees.  They  are  pure  white, 
four  to  six  in  number,  and  measure  about  1.40  x  1.20  inches.  Nidifi- 
cation  usually  commences  in  April. 


Genus   BUBO   Dumeril. 

181.     Bubo  virginianus  (GMEL.). 

GREAT  HORNED  OWL. 

Distr.:  Eastern  North  America,  north  to  Labrador;  breeds 
throughout  its  range. 

Adult:  Ear  tufts,  large;  general  plumage,  mixed  tawny  black  and 
white,  the  tawny  color  predominating;  a  white  patch  on  the  throat. 

The  Conspicuous  ear  tufts  and  coloration  will  always  distinguish  it 
from  our  other  large  owls,  and  its  size  from  the  smaller  species. 

Length,  about  23;  wing,  14. 20  to  16;  tail,  about  9. 


496     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Great    Horned    Owl. 

The  Great  Horned  Owl  is  rather  common  throughout  heavily 
wooded  portions  of  Illinois  and  Wisconsin.  Formerly  quite  common 
in  the  vicinity  of  Chicago,  but  now  rare.  It  breeds  in  suitable  local- 
ities in  both  states.  The  "hoot"  is  usually  a  loud  hoo-hoo,  hoo-hoo, 
hoo,  shorter  and  deeper  toned  than  that  of  the  Barred  Owl.  It  also 
utters  a  variety  of  unearthly  screams. 

Mr.  Woodruff  (Birds  of  the  Chicago  Area)  states  that  "in  1890 
Mr.  Ned  Pratt  collected  several  sets  of  the  eggs  of  this  owl  near  Lake 
Forest,  a  short  distance  north  of  Chicago." 

Kumlien  and  Hollister  (Birds  of  Wisconsin)  state  that  it  "breeds 
as  early  as  the  middle  of  February"  and  is  "  usually  more  plenty  in 
the  hardwood  timber  of  bottom  lands  along  streams." 

Nests  in  a  hollow  tree  or  in  an  old  hawk's,  crow's,  or  squirrel's 
nest.  The  eggs  are  white,  from  two  to  three  in  number,  and  measure 
about  2. 20  x  1.82  inches.  Nidification  begins  in  February  or  early  in 
March.  Eggs  have  been  taken  as  early  as  February  first.  The  Field 
Museum  collection  contains  a  set  of  3  eggs  taken  at  Grinnell,  Iowa, 
February  29,  1893. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  497 

1 8 la.     Bubo  virginianus  subarcticus  (Hov). 
•    ARCTIC  HORNED  OWL. 

Distr. :  Interior  of  northern  British  America,  Hudson  Bay  to  the 
Mackensie  River  region,  south  to  the  northern  United  States  in 
winter. 

This  northern  form  differs  from  our  common  species,  B.  virginia- 
nus, in  being  much  paler,  the  general  coloration  more  gray  and  white, 
with  decidedly  less  brownish  or  ochraceous  buff. 

It  must  be  considered  as  merely  an  accidental  straggler  in  Illinois 
and  a  rare  winter  visitant  in  Wisconsin. 

Nelson  includes  it  in  his  Birds  of  N.  E.  Illinois  as  a  rare  winter 
visitant  and  says:  "Have  a  fine  specimen  in  my  collection  taken  the 
last  of  December,  1874.  It  was  given  by  Dr.  Hoy  as  having  been 
taken  at  Racine,  Wisconsin."  Kumlien  and  Hollister  state: 
"Taken  by  Hoy  at  Racine  and  by  Kumlien  at  Lake  Koshkonong, 
both  at  an  early  day,  a  fine  specimen  preserved  in  the  Milwaukee 
Public  Museum  was  procured  at  Ashland,  January,  1886." 

It  is  not  improbable  that  the  Western  Horned  Owl,  B.  v.  palles- 
cens,  may  occur  within  our  limits,  as  it  has  been  recorded  from  North 
Dakota,  Minnesota,  and  Iowa.  It  is  darker  than  virginianus  and  the 
under  parts  are  more  heavily  barred. 

There  has  been  more  or  less  confusion  as  to  name  of  this  sub- 
species. Swainson's  name  arcticus,  as  has  been  shown  by  Dr.  Rich- 
mond, is  preoccupied  and  untenable  and  he  has  revived  subarcticus 
of  Hoy  for  the  northern  form. 


Genus  NYCTEA   Stephens. 

182.     Nyctea  nyctea  (LiNN.). 

SNOWY  OWL. 

Distr.:  Arctic  regions;  south  in  winter  in  North  America  to, mid- 
dle states;  accidental  as  far  south  as  Carolina,  Texas,  and  California; 
breeds  north  of  the  United  States. 

Adult:  Varying  from  pure  white  to  white,  spotted  and  barred 
with  grayish  brown  or  dusky;  no  ear  tufts;  feet,  thickly  feathered; 
bill,  black;  iris,  yellow.  Pure  white  specimens  are  rare. 

Length,  about  24;   wing,  16  to  17.50;   tail,  about  9.50. 

The  Snowy  Owl  is  a  winter  visitant,  varying  in  numbers  in  differ- 
ent years;  at  times  not  uncommon. 

Mr.  E.  W.  Nelson  gives  the  Snowy  Owl  as  a  regular  winter  resident 


498     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Snowy  Owl. 

in  Illinois,  "more  numerous  in  the  vicinity  of  the  lake.  Arrives  in 
November  and  a  few  remain  as  late  as  the  first  of  May."  (Birds  N.  E. 
111.,  1876.)  Mr.  Frank  M.  Woodruff  writes  (Birds  of  the  Chicago  Area, 
1907,  p.  107) :  "  Mr.  J.  Grafton  Parker,  Jr.,  informs  me  that  on  Nov.  3, 
1885,  he  observed  two  Snowy  Owls  perched  on  the  chimney  tops  of 
a  residence  in  Grand  Boulevard  near  35th  St."  According  to  Robert 
Kennicott*  in  early  days  it  was  common  in  Cook  Co.,  Illinois,  in  win- 
ter. He  writes,  "  Common  in  winter.  Last  winter  during  the  very 
cold  and  stormy  weather,  I  frequently  saw  them  capture  prairie  hens." 
In  Wisconsin  Kumlien  and  Hollister  give  it  as  a  "Winter  resident  of 
irregular  occurrence.  Some  winters  the  snowy  owl  is  quite  common. 
*  *  *  *  When  these  owls  reach  Lake  Koshkonong  during  open 
water,  they  persistently  hunt  along  the  edge  of  the  rushes  for 
wounded  ducks  and  at  times,  apparently  from  choice,  as  other  food 
is  plenty,  will  catch  fish."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  72.) 

*Catalogue  of  Animals   observed   in   Cook   Co.,  111.     Trans.  111.     State   Agri.  Soc.,    1853-54, 
p. 581- 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


499 


Genus  SURNIA   Dumeril. 
183.     Surnia  ulula  caparoch  (MULL.). 
AMERICAN  HAWK  OWL. 

Distr.:  Arctic  North  America;  south  in  winter  to  northern  bor- 
der of  United  States  and  casually  as  far  as  Illinois  and  New  England; 
breeds  north  of  United  States. 

Adult:  No  ear  tufts;  upper  plumage,  dark  brown  (brownish 
black  on  the  head) ,  finely  spotted  with  white  on  the  head,  and  blotched 
and  barred  with  white  on  the  back;  primaries  with  white  spots  on  both 


webs;  tail,  unevenly  barred  with  whitish;  face,  grayish  white,  bor- 
dered by  a  streak  of  black  behind  the  ear;  a  dusky  patch  on  chin  and 
middle  throat,  rest  of  under  parts,  barred  with  white  and  dark  brown ; 
tail,  rounded,  the  outer  feathers  being  decidedly  shorter  than  the 
middle  feathers;  eyes  and  bill,  yellow. 

Length,  about  15;  wing,  about  9;  tail,  about  7. 

A  very  rare  winter  visitant  in  both  Illinois  and  Wisconsin. 

Robert  Kennicott  included  it  in  his  list  of  the  birds  of  Cook  County, 


500     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

111.,  (1853-54).  Nelson  gives  it  as  "a  rare  winter  resident"  and  writes: 
"  Dr.  J.  W.  Velie  tells  me  that  he  obtained  a  specimen  in  Kane 
County.  111.,  the  first  of  September,  1869."  (Birds.  N.  E.  111.,  1876, 
p.  117.) 

Kumlien  and  Hollister  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  p.  72)  give  it  as  "A 
very  rare  winter  visitant  in  southern  Wisconsin,  more  frequent  in  the 
northern  part,  especially  of  late  years.  Recorded  from  Racine  by 
Dr.  Hoy  and  from  the  same  place  by  Thure  Kumlien,  who  received 
a  specimen  from  there  killed  in  the  winter  of  1869.  Several  were  also 
taken  about  Lake  Koshkonong  at  an  early  day.  Mr.  J.  N.  Clark 
has  taken  the  Hawk  Owl  twice  at  Meridian,  in  April,  1885,  and  in 
December,  1900.  In  the  winter  of  1892,  we  received  three  specimens 
from  Bayfield  County.  A  specimen  in  the  Milwaukee  Public  Museum 
is  labelled,  Fox  Point,  Milwaukee,  Wisconsin." 

Unlike  our  other  owls,  the  Hawk  Owl  is  diurnal  in  its  habits,  and 
in  its  home  in  the  far  north  it  may  be  observed  in  the  daytime, 
perched  after  the  manner  of  a  hawk  on  some  commanding  stump, 
watching  for  its  pray.  Dr.  C.  Hart  Merriam  in  writing  of  the 
species  says:  "  In  the  .vicinity  of  Hudson  Bay  during  the  winter 
season,  the  White  Ptarmigan  (Lagopus  albus)  constitutes  its  chief 
article  of  diet;  and  it  is  said  to  follow  the  hunter,  pouncing  upon 
his  game  before  he  has  time  to  reach  it."  (Review  of  Birds  of  Conn., 
1877,  p.  73-) 


ORDER   PSITTACI. 

PARROTS,   PAROQUETS,   ETC. 

Family    PSITTACID^.      Parrots   and 
Paroquets. 

A  very  large  family  numbering  some  360  species,  the  majority 
being  distributed  throughout  the  tropical  parts  of  the  world.  But 
one  species  properly  belongs  in  the  United  States,  the  Carolina 
Paroquet.  This  beautiful  bird  was  at  one  time  abundant  throughout 
southeastern  North  America,  but  has  now  disappeared  except  in 
a  few  localities  in  Florida  and  the  Indian  Territory. 


Genus  CONUROPSIS  Salvador!. 
184.     Conuropsis  carolinensis  (LINN.). 
CAROLINA  PAROQUET. 

Conurus  carolinensis  (Linn.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  152. 

Distr.:  Formerly  southeastern  United  States,  as  far  west  as 
Texas  and  Colorado  and  north  to  New  York;  now  occurs  only  regu- 
larly in  parts  of  Florida  and  Indian  Territory,  although  stragglers 
are.  occasionally  taken  in  southern  Missouri  and  Kansas;  apparently 
fast  becoming  extinct. 

Adult:  Forehead  and  cheeks,  deep  reddish  orange,  rest  of  head 
and  neck,  yellow;  bend  of  wing  and  tibia,  yellow,  tinged  with 'orange; 
rest  of  plumage,  green;  lighter  green  on  under  parts;  outer  webs  of 
primaries,  green,  yellowish  at  bases;  inner  webs,  dark  brown;  upper 
surface  of  tail  feathers,  green,  with  brown  shafts. 

Immature  birds  have  the  orange  on  the  face  and  forehead  the 
same,  but  the  rest  of  the  head  is  green,  instead  of  yellow,  and  there  is 
no  yellow  or  orange  on  the  bend  of  the  wing  or  tibia. 

Length,  about  12;  wing,  7.30;  tail,  6.40;  bill  (straight  line),  .87; 
tarsus,  .65. 

During  the  early  part  of  the  last  century,  Paroquets  were  not 
uncommon  in  Illinois  and  southern  Wisconsin.  Wilson  found  them 
abundant  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  Ohio  River  and  lower  Mississippi, 
and  Audubon,  in  1831  (Ornithological  Biography,  p.  138)  writes: 

501 


502      FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


- •"".••        V«       " '  "•' 


^V^3*1g2- 

Carolina  Paroquet. 

"Our  paroquets  are  very  rapidly  diminishing  in  number  and  in  some 
districts  where  twenty-five  years  ago  they  were  plentiful,  scarcely 
any  are  now  to  be  seen.  At  that  period  they  could  be  procured  as 
far  up  the  tributary  waters  of  the  Ohio  as  the  Great  Kenhawa,  the 
Scioto,  the  heads  of  the  Miami,  the  mouth  of  the  Manimee  at  its  junc- 
tion with  Lake  Erie,  on  the  Illinois  River,  and  sometimes,  as  far  east  as 
Lake  Ontario  and  along  the  eastern  districts  as  far  as  the  boundary 
line  between  Virginia  and  Maryland.  At  the  present  day  very  few 
are  to  be  found  higher  than  Cincinnati,  nor  is  it  until  you  reach  the 
mouth  of  the  Ohio  that  paroquets  are  met  with  in  considerable  num- 
bers. I  should  think  that  along  the  Mississippi  there  is  not  now  half 
the  number  that  existed  fifteen  years  ago." 

Ridgway  writes  (Birds  of  Illinois,  1889,  p.  397):  "The  avifauna 
of  Illinois  has  lost  no  finer  or  more  interesting  member  than  the  pres- 
ent species  which  is  probably  now  everywhere  extinct  within  our 
borders,  though  fifty  years  ago  it  was  of  more  or  less  common  occur- 
rence throughout  the  state.  The  National  Museum  possesses  a  fine 
adult  example  from  Illinois  (Cat.  No.  122^2},  another  from  Michigan, 
and  several  from  the  Platte  River  in  Nebraska.  Now,  however,  it 
appears  to  be  quite  exterminated  except  in  isolated  and  rapidly  con- 
tracting areas  in  Florida  and  thence  westward  to  the  lower  Mississippi 
Valley.  Its  present  northern  limit  in  the  interior  is  uncertain,  but 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — -CoRY.  503 

so  far  as  known,  is  the  eastern  part  of  Indian  Territory  and  portions 
of  Arkansas." 

The  latest  record  of  its  occurrence  in  any  northern  locality  seems 
to  be  that  given  by  Dr.  Eliot  Coues  in  his  Birds  of  the  Northwest 
(1874,  p.  296).  He  writes:  "In  Iowa,  according  to  Mr.  Trippe, 
the  Parrot  still  occurs.  A  resident  of  Decatur  County  told  me  that 
he  had  several  times  seen  a  flock  of  Parrots  in  the  southern  part  of 
the  county  on  a  tall,  dead  cottonwood  tree,  known  to  the  neighboring 
inhabitants  as  the  "parrot  tree"  from  its  having  been  frequented  at 
intervals  by  the  same  flock  for  several  years."  In  a  previous  article 
(Proc.  Boston  Soc.  Nat.  Hist.,  Vol.  XV,  1872,  p.  237),  he  quotes  the 
same  authority  and  adds  "he  had  shot  one  of  them  on  one  occasion." 

In  1863  Dr.  F.  V.  Hayden  (Trans.  Am.  Philos.  Soc.,  XII,  1863,  p. 
154)  states  that  Paroquets  were  "very  abundant  in  the  Mississippi 
Valley  along  the  thickly  wooded  bottoms  as  far  up  the  Missouri  as 
Fort  Leaven  worth." 

Mr.  Rudolph  M.  Anderson  in  his  Birds  of  Iowa  (Proc.  Daven- 
port Acad.  of  Sci.,  Vol.  XI,  1907,  p.  271)  writes:  "A  series  of  about 
a  dozen  specimens  in  the  University  Museum  were  taken  by  D.  H. 
Talbot's  collectors  at  the  mouth  of  the  Arkansas  River  in  1882." 

Mr.  A.  W.  Butler  (Birds  of  Indiana,  1897,  p.  819)  gives  an  inter- 
esting account  of  the  history  and  distribution  of  Paroquets  in  Indiana 
and  states  that  it  "bred  at  least  north  to  the  vicinity  of  Indianapolis." 

Mr.  Otto  Widmann  states  that  as  late  as  July  18,  1905,  a  Paroquet 
was  seen  at  Notch,  Stone  Co.,  Missouri,  and  another  killed  in  August, 
the  previous  year,  near  Potter,  Kansas,  opposite  Platte  Co.,  Missouri. 
(Birds  of  Missouri,  1907,  p.  116.) 


ORDER  COCCYGES. 

CUCKOOS,    KINGFISHERS,    TROGONS,    ETC. 
Suborder  CUCULI.      Cuckoos. 

Family    CUCULI D^.      Cuckoos,   Anis,'  etc. 

The  family  Cuculidae  contains  about  180  species  from  different 
parts  of  the  world,  and  of  these  9  (including  subspecies)  occur  in 
North  America.  They  are  rather  solitary  birds  and  are  rarely  found 
away  from  trees.  Unlike  the  European  species,  the  American 
Cuckoos  build  their  own  nests,  although  occasionally  their  eggs  are 
found  in  the  nests  of  other  birds.  Its  peculiar  note  suggests  its  name, 
and  is  a  familiar  sound  to  those  who  wander  in  the  woods  and  fields. 
They  are  of  great  value  to  the  agriculturist,  as  besides  other  insects 
they  destroy  immense  numbers  of  caterpillars,  including  the  Canker 
Worm,  and  the  Tent  Caterpillar,  Clisiocampa  americana. 


Subfamily  COCCYGIN^E.      American  Cuckoos. 

Genus   COCCYZUS   Vieill. 
185.     Coccyzus  americanus  (LiNN.). 

YELLOW-BILLED  CUCKOO. 

Distr. :  Eastern  North  America,  from  the  plains  to  the  coast  and 
Canada  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  breeding  throughout  its  range.  Occurs 
in  winter  in  West  Indies  and  Central  America. 

Adult:  Under  mandible,  mostly  yellow;  upper  mandible,  dark; 
upper  parts,  brownish  gray,  with  a  faint  gloss  of  greenish;  under 
parts,  dull  white;  greater  portion  of  primaries,  rufous  brown,  tipped 
with  grayish  olive;  outer  tail  feathers,  black,  tipped  with  white. 

Length,  u  to  12;  wing,  5.60  to  6;  tail,  about  6;  bill,  about  i. 

A  common  summer  resident  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin.  Arrives 
from  the  south  in  May  and  remains  until  October.  Apparently  less 
common  in  northern  Wisconsin. 

The  nest  is  a  mat  of  twigs  and  small  sticks,  built  in  a  bush  or  the 
lower  branches  of  a  tree,  rarely  more  than  six  or  eight  feet  from  the 

504 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  505 


Yellow-billed  Cuckoo. 

ground.  The  eggs  are  3  to  5,  pale  greenish  blue  or  bluish  white,  and 
measure  about  1.20  x.  90  inches.  Mr.  H.  S.  Swarth  found  it  breeding 
at  Joliet,  Illinois,  June  i,  1906. 

The  notes  of  the  Cuckoo  are  pleasing,  but  rather  monotonous  and 
not  particularly  musical.  They  vary  somewhat  but  the  most  charac- 
teristic is  the  familiar  cu-cu,  cu-cu,  repeated  several  times,  from 
which  it  has  derived  its  name. 


186.     Coccyzus  erythropthalmus  (WiLS.). 
BLACK-BILLED  CUCKOO. 

Distr,:  Eastern  North  America,  from  Rocky  Mountains  to  the 
coast;  breeds  in  eastern  United  States  and  north  to  Labrador;  south 
in  winter  to  West  Indies  and  northern  South  America. 

Adult:  Bill,  brownish  black  (occasionally  with  a  tinge  of  yellow 
at  base  of  lower  mandible) ;  upper  plumage,  grayish  brown,  with  a 
faint  gloss  of  green;  under  parts,  dull  white;  tail  feathers,  color  of 
back,  tipped  with  white;  primaries,  pale  olive  brown,  shading  into 
whitish  at  bases  of  inner  webs;  eyelids,  red. 

Length,  n  to  12;   wing,  about  5.25;   tail,  6.25;   bill,  .75. 

Easily  distinguished  from  the  Yellow-billed  Cuckoo  by  the  black 
lower  mandible,  absence  of  rufous  on  primaries,  and  the  color  of  the 
tail. 

The'Black-billed  Cuckoo  is  a  common  summer  resident  in  Illinois 
and  Wisconsin.  Arrives  from  the  south  in  May  and  remains  until 
October.  Kumlien  and  Hollister  consider  it  more  common  than  the 


506     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

yellow-billed  species  in  Wisconsin,  while  the  opposite  seems  to  be  the 
case  in  Illinois. 

The  nest  is  a  mat  of  small  sticks  and  twigs  built  in  low  trees  or 
bushes.  The  eggs  are  pale  greenish  blue,  three  or  four  in  number, 
and  measure  about  1.15  x  .85  inches. 

The  Field  Museum  collection  contains  several  sets  of  eggs  of  this 
species  taken  near  Joliet,  111.,  between  June  8  and  n,  1906. 


Suborder  ALCYONES.      Kingfishers. 
Family    ALCEDINID^.       Kingfishers. 

But  one  species  of  this  large  family  occurs  in  eastern  North  Amer- 
ica. It  is  a  familiar  bird,  being  common  wherever  there  is  water. 
They  are  solitary  birds,  being  usually  found  singly  or  in  pairs.  The 
nest  is  built  in  a  hole  in  some  bank  near  a  stream  or  pond.  There  are 
about  125  known  species,  those  found  in  America  being  fish  eaters, 
while  many  of  the  Australian  and  Indian  forms  are  insectivorous 
and  live  in  forests,  nesting  in  holes  in  trees. 


Genus  CERYLE   Boie. 

187.     Ceryle  alcyon  (LINN.). 

BELTED  KINGFISHER. 

Distr. :  The  whole  of  North  America  and  south  to  the  West  Indies 
and  Mexico,  and  Central  America  to  Panama. 

Adult  male:  Upper  parts,  bluish  gray,  the  elongated  feathers  of 
the  crown,  blackish;  wing  coverts  with  small  spots  of  white ;  terminal 
third  of  primaries,  black;  the  rest,  heavily  marked  with  white,  and 
rest  of  feathers  narrowly  edged  with  bluish  gray,  the  centers  of  the 
feathers,  black,  spotted  and  banded  with  white;  a  white  spot  in  front 
of  the  eye;  throat,  white;  a  band  on  the  breast  and  sides  of  body, 
bluish  gray  (tinged  with  rufous  brown  in  immature  specimens),  rest 
of  under  parts,  white. 

Adult  female:  Similar  to  the  male,  but  having  the  sides  of  the  body 
and  a  band  on  the  upper  belly  rufous  brown. 

Length,  12;   wing,  6  to  6.40;   bill,  1.90;   tail,  3.50 

The  Kingfisher  is  a  common  summer  resident  in  Illinois  and  Wis- 
consin. It  arrives  in  April  and  remains  with  us  until  October,  and 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — -CoRY.  507 


Belted    Kingfisher. 

is  a  familiar  bird  with  us  wherever  there  is  water.  The  note  is  harsh 
and  loud — a  peculiar  sound  not  unlike  the  noise  made  by  a  watch- 
man's rattle.  The  nest  is  in  a  deep  hole  in  a  bank,  usually  about 
six  or  more  feet  from  the  entrance.  The  eggs  are  from  six  to 
eight  in  number,  pure  white,  and  measure  about  1.35  x  1.05  inches. 


ORDER  PICI. 

WOODPECKERS,    WRYNECKS,    ETC. 

Family    PICID^.      Woodpeckers. 

Of  the  three  hundred  and  fifty  or  more  known  species  of  wood- 
peckers, some  35  (including  subspecies)  occur  in  North  America. 
They  are  wood  birds  and  may  often  be  seen  climbing  about  the  trunks 
of  trees  in  search  of  their  food,  and  their  stiff  tail  feathers  pressed 
against  the  bark  greatly  assists  in  supporting  them.  Woodpeckers 
are  of  decided  benefit  to  the  agriculturist,  for  while  they  occasionally 
destroy  a  little  fruit,  they  eat  great  quantities  of  injurious  insects 
and  larvae.  The  tongue  is  eminently  adapted  for  extracting  larvae 
from  the  crevices  in  the  bark,  being  very  long  and  slender  and  tipped 
with  a  sharp,  hard  point  edged  with  minute  bristle-like  hooks. 
Their  presence  in  the  woods  is  often  indicated  by  their  loud  rapid 
tapping  on  trees.  Their  eggs  are  laid  in  holes  in  trees. 


Subfamily   PICIN^E. 

Genus   CAMPEPHILUS  Gray. 
188.     Campephilus  principalis  (LiNN.). 
IVORY-BILLED  WOODPECKER. 

Distr.:  Formerly  south  Atlantic  and  Gulf  states,  from  Texas  to 
the  Carolinas  and  north  to  southern  Illinois  and  Indiana;  now  occurs 
only  in  isolated  localities  in  some  of  the  Gulf  states  and  Florida. 

Adult  male:  Greater  portion  of  plumage,  black;  a  brilliant  scarlet 
crest  covered  on  top  by  the  elongated  black  feathers  of  the  crown,  a 
white  stripe  extending  down  each  side  of  the  neck  to  the  middle  off 
the  back;  terminal  half,  or  more,  of  secondaries  and  tips  of  inner 
primaries,  white;  under  wing  coverts,  white;  entire  under  parts, 
black;  nostril  bristles,  white;  bill,  dull  white. 

Adult  female :  Similar,  but  without  the  scarlet  crest. 

Length,  about  19.50;   wing,  10;  bill,  2.50;   tail,  7. 

508 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  509 


Ivory-billed  Woodpecker. 

While  it  is  probable  that  the  Ivory-billed  Woodpecker  does  not 
occur  in  Illinois  at  the  present  time,  it  was  once  not  uncommon  in  the 
heavily  timbered  regions  of  the  southern  part  of  the  state. 
Audubon  found  it  along  the  Ohio  River  near  its  junction  with  the 
Mississippi,  during  the  early  part  of  the  last  century  and  mentions 
its  breeding  in  Indiana  and  Kentucky. 

Prof.  Ridgway  states  (Birds  of  Illinois,  1889,  p.  375):  "The  writer 
has  a  distinct  recollection  of  what  he  believes  to  have  been  this 
species  in  White  County,  some  40  miles  south  of  Mount  Carmel,(Ill.), 
but  never  observed  it  in  the  vicinity  of  the  latter  place."  Mr.- Otto 
Widmann  states  that  a  male  bird  of  this  species  was  killed  near 
Morley,  Scott  Co.,  Missouri,  Nov.  8,  1895.  (Birds  of  Missouri, 
1907,  p.  119.) 


510     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


sated  Woodpecker.  *  Yellow-bellied  Woodpecker, 

Red-bellied  Woodpecker.        Red-headed  Woodpecker  (adult  and  immature). 

Hairy  Woodpecker.  Downy  Woodpecker.  Flicker. 


JA-N.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  511 

Genus  DRYOBATES  Boie. 

189.     Dryobates  villosus  (LINN.). 
HAIRY  WOODPECKER. 

Distr. :  Atlantic  coast  from  North  Carolina  to  Nova  Scotia,  west 
to  Kansas  and  Nebraska. 

Adult  male:  Crown  and  greater  portion  of  upper  plumage,  black; 
a  scarlet  nuchal  band;  a  white  stripe  over  the  eye,  bordered  below 


Hairy   Woodpecker. 

by  a  black  stripe  through  the  eye,  then  another  white  stripe  bordered 
below  by  a  black  one  on  the  sides  of  the  throat;  a  patch  on  side  of 
neck  and  middle  of  back,  white;  wings,  heavily  spotted  with  white; 
under  parts,  white;  middle  tail  feathers,  black;  outer  tail  feathers, 
white. 

Adult  female:    Similar,  but  without  scarlet  on  back  of  the  head. 

Young  birds  have  the  crown  more  or  less  tinged  with  red,  and  occa- 
sionally dull  yellow. 

Length,  about  9.45;  wing,  4.50  to  5;  tail,  3.25;  bill,  1.25. 

The  Hairy  Woodpecker  resembles  the  Downy  Woodpecker  in 
plumage,  but  is  much  larger,  and  the  outer  tail  feathers  are  white,  not 
irregularly  barred  with  black,  as  in  the  latter  species. 

It  is  a  common  species  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  being  a  resident 
in  both  states  throughout  the  year.  A  number  of  specimens  in  the 
Field  Museum  collection,  taken  in  northern  Wisconsin  in  winter, 
proved  to  be  this  form. 

The  nest  is  generally  in  a  hole  in  a  dead  tree.  The  eggs  are  from 
4  to  6,  pure  white,  and  measure  about  .96  x  .76  inches.  Nidification 
usually  commences  in  Illinois  the  latter  part  of  April. 


512      FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL. 'IX. 

I89a.     Dryobates  villosus  leucomelas  (Booo.).  . 
NORTHERN  HAIRY  WOODPECKER. 

Distr.:  "Northern  North  America,  south  to  about  the  northern 
border  of  the  United  States."  (A.  O.  U.) 

Special  characters:  Similar  to  D.  villosus,  but  larger  and  showing 
more  hoary  white  in  the  plumage;  wing,  5.02  to  5.45,  not  less  than  5; 
bill,  1.40  to  i. 60,  not  less  than  1.40. 

The  Northern  Hairy  Woodpecker  is  said  to  occur  occasionally 
in  northern  Wisconsin  in  winter.  Kumlien  and  Hollister  state  that 
"up  to  1875  it  was  a  regular  visitor  in  winter  in  the  tamarack  swamps 
in  north  Jefferson  County.  During  the  past  ten  or  fifteen  years  not  a 
specimen  has  been  taken  and  Hairy  Woodpeckers  collected  in  winter 
and  late  fall  in  northern  Wisconsin  have  all  proved  to  be  typical 
villosus."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  74.) 

190.     Dryobates  pubescens  medianus  (SWAINS.). 
DOWNY  WOODPECKER. 

Distr. :  Eastern  and  northern  United  States,  from  the  Rocky 
Mountains  to  the  Atlantic,  and  from  about  the  latitude  of  South 
Carolina  north  to  Newfoundland  and  southern  Canada. 

Adult  male:  Resembles  the  Hairy  Woodpecker,  except  that  it  is 
much  smaller,  and  has  the  white  outer  tail  feathers  marked  with  more 
or  less  imperfect  bars  or  spots  of  blackish. 

Adult  female:    Similar,    but 
without  the  scarlet  nuchal  patch. 
Length,  5.90  to  7;    wing,  3.45 
to  4;  tail,  2.70;   bill,  about  .62. 
The  Downy  Woodpecker  is  a 
common  resident  in  Illinois  and 
Wisconsin.      Specimens  taken  in 
extreme   southern  Illinois  aver- 

Downy  Woodpecker. 

age  smaller  than  northern  birds. 

The  majority  breed  in  May.  The  nest  is  in  a  hole  in  a  tree,  usually 
a  dead  stump.  The  eggs  are  white,  from  4  to  6  in  number,  and  meas- 
ure about  .75  x  .60  inches. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  513 

Genus   PICOIDES   Lacepede. 

191.     Picoides  arcticus  (SWAINS.). 

ARCTIC  THREE-TOED  WOODPECKER. 

Distr. :  Northern  North  America,  from  the  Arctic  regions  south 
to  the  northern  United  States;  New  England,  Michigan,  Wisconsin, 
etc. 

Adult  male:  Toes,  three;  upper  plumage,  glossy  bluish  black; 
a  patch  of  yellow  on  the  crown;  front  of  forehead,  white,  extending 


in  a  white  stripe  below  the  eye  to  side  of  neck;  throat,  breast,  and 
middle  of  belly,  white;  sides  of  body,  black,  barred  with  white;  middle 
tail  feathers,  black;  outer  tail  feathers,  white,  except  at  the  base. 

Adult  female:  Similar,  but  without  yellow  on  the  crown. 

Length,  9.45;   wing,  5.25;   tail,  4.05;   bill,  1.20. 

The  Arctic  Three-toed  Woodpecker  is  a  rare  winter  visitant  in 
Illinois.  Mr.  Isaac  E.  Hess  writes  me  he  has  taken  a  specimen  near 
Philo,  Illinois.  Mr.  Nelson  writes  (Birds  N.  E.  Illinois,  1876,  p.  115): 
"A  specimen  was  shot  from  a  telegraph  pole  in  Chicago  a  few  ..years 
since  by  Dr.  Velie.  It  is  a  common  species  in  northern  Wisconsin, 
and  before  the  pines  along  the  Lake  were  destroyed,  was  probably  a 
regular  winter  visitant  in  this  state."  Mr.  Woodruff  (Birds  of  the 
Chicago  Area,  1907,  p.  no)  records  the  occurrence  of  a  bird  of  this 
species  on  the  authority  of  Mr.  Eliot  Blackwelder  at  Morgan  Park, 
Illinois,  Dec.  29,  1894. 

It  is  more  or  less  common  in  northern  Wisconsin  in  winter  and 
may  be  resident,  as  Kumlien  and  Hollister  state  (Birds  of  Wisconsin, 
1903,  p.  75):  "This  species  undoubtedly  breeds  in  the  northern  part 


514     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

of  the  state,  as  there  are  several  records  of  specimens  taken  during 
summer  months.  We  have  seen  it  at  Merrill  and  near  Wausau  in 
June,  and  near  Oconto  (several  specimens)  in  early  August." 

Mr.  John  F.  Ferry  procured  three  adult  birds  and  three  young 
not  long  out  of  the  nest,  near  Woodruff,  Vjjas  County,  Wisconsin,  dur- 
ing the  last  week  in  June,  1908. 


192.     Picoides  americanus  BREHM. 
AMERICAN  THREE-TOED  WOODPECKER. 

Distr. :  Northern  North  America  east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains, 
from  the  northern  border  of  the  United  States  to  the  Arctic  regions ; 
accidental  as  far  south  as  Massachusetts  and  New  York. 

Adult  male:  Toes,  three;  upper  plumage,  black,  a  patch  of  yellow 
on  the  crown;  back,  banded  with  white;  under  parts,  white;  the  sides, 


American  Three-toed  Woodpecker. 

banded  with  black;  primaries,  spotted  with  white,  middle  tail 
feathers,  black,  outer  ones,  marked  with  black  at  the  bases,  but  the 
the  tips,  broadly  white. 

Adult  female:  Similar,  but  no  yellow  on  the  head;  crown,  black, 
finely  spotted  with  white. 

Length,  8  to  9;   wing,  4.50  to  5;   tail,  3.30;   bill,  .95. 

Not  recorded  from  Illinois,  and  apparently  a  rare  winter  visitant 
in  Wisconsin.  Kumlien  and  Hollister  state  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903, 
p.  75):  "Records  of  this  woodpecker  for  Wisconsin  are  very  few. 
From  1860  to  1870  several  specimens,  about  a  dozen  all  told,  were 
taken  by  Thure  and  L.  Kumlien  in  the  large  tamarack  wood  near 
Jefferson.  Dr.  H.  V.  Ogden  and  Dr.  E.  Copeland  have  taken  two 
specimens  in  Iron  County,  a  male  and  a  female,  taken  respectively 
Sept.  30  and  Sept.  25,  1898,  and  preserved  in  the  collection  of  E. 
Copeland  and  H.  Russel  at  Milwaukee;  and  it  has  been  reported  from 
the  upper  peninsula  of  Michigan  by  Mr.  H.  Nehrling." 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


Genus  SPHYRAPICUS   Baird. 
193.     Sphyrapicus  varius  (LiNN.). 
YELLOW-BELLIED  WOODPECKER. 

Distr. :  Eastern  North  America ;  south  in  winter  to  West  Indies , 
Mexico  and  Central  America;  breeds  from  Massachusetts  and  north- 
ern border  of  eastern  United  States  northward. 

Adult  male:  Toes,  four;  top  of  head  and  throat,  red;  a  white 
stripe  over,  and  another  below  the  eye ;  a  black  stripe  through  the 

eye,  extending  to  the  sides  of  the 
neck;  breast,  with  large  black 
patch,  bordered  with  yellow  and 
white;  belly,  pale  yellow;  sides, 
marked  with  white  and  dusky; 
back,  irregularly  marked  with  black 
and  dingy  yellowish  white;  wing 
coverts,  heavily  marked  with  white, 
forming  a  conspicuous  wing  bar; 
primaries,  black,  spotted  with 
white;  tail  feathers,  black,  the 
outer  ones  edged  with  white,  and 
the  inner  webs  of  middle  feathers 
broadly  barred  with  white. 

Adult  female:    Similar,  but  the 
throat  white,  instead    of  red,  and 
the  red  on  the  crown  less  extended. 

Immature  birds  have  the  crow^n  dusky,  the  throat  whitish  or 
grayish,  and  breast,  gray,  mottled  with  dusky. 

The  white  wing  bar  and  the  yellowish  tinge  of  the  plumage  will 
distinguish  this  species. 

Length,  about  8.50;  wing,  about  5;  tail,  3.15;  bill,  .90. 
The  Yellow-bellied  Woodpecker  is  a  common  spring  and  fall  mi- 
grant in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  and  an  occasional  summer  resident 
in  northern  Illinois  and  Indiana.  It  is  a  common  summer  resident 
in  Wisconsin,  where  according  to  Kumlien  and  Hollister,  it  breeds  in 
considerable  numbers  as  far  south  as  Lake  Koshkonong  (Birds  of 
Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  76).  Mr.  John  F.  Ferry  procured  a  nest  of  young 
birds  at  Woodruff,  Wisconsin,  June  25,  1908.  It  occurs  more  or  less 
commonly  as  a  winter  resident  in  southern  Illinois. 

The  nest  is  a  hole  in  some  large  tree  or  stump,  usually  30  or  more 
feet  from  the  ground.  The  eggs  are  white,  six  or  seven  in  number, 
and  measure  about  .85  x  .66  inches. 


Yellow-bellied  Woodpecker. 


516     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX.      . 

Genus   PHLCEOTOMUS   Cabanis. 

194.     Phlceotomus  pileatus  albieticola  (BANGS). 
NORTHERN  PILEATED  WOODPECKER. 

Distr. :  Heavily  wooded  regions  of  North  America,  from  the  Alle- 
ghanies  and  middle  United  States  northward. 

Adult  male:  General  color,  dull  black;  top  of  head  and  a  cheek 
patch  beginning  at  base  of  lower  mandible,  bright  scarlet;  throat,  a 


Northern  Pileated  Woodpecker. 

stripe  behind  the  eye,  and  a  larger  one  extending  from  the  nostril  along 
side  of  head  and  neck,  and  breast,  white;  terminal  half  of  primaries, 
brownish  black,  the  basal  half,  white  (at  times  tinged  with  pale  yel- 
low), forming  a  conspicuous  white  wing  patch  when  flying;  tail, 
black;  bill,  brownish  black,  paler  below. 

Adult  female:  Similar,  but  only  back  of  head  scarlet,  the  front 
crown,  brownish  black,  and  without  scarlet  red  patch  at  base  of  under 
mandible. 

Length,  about  17.50;   wing,  about  9;   tail,  6.60;   bill,  1.90. 

This  species  is  resident  and  not  uncommon  in  southern  Illinois,  and 
occurs  sparingly  in  wooded  districts  of  northern  Illinois  and  Wisconsin. 
Mr.  E.  W.  Nelson  gives  it  in  his  Birds  of  Northeastern  Illinois  as  "A 
rare  winter  visitant.  Two  specimens  were  taken  near  Chicago  during 
the  winter  of  1873."  Mr.  Frank  M.  Woodruff  writes:  "Mr.  George 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


Clingman  reports  the  taking  of  a  specimen  at  Half  Day,  Illinois,  on 
Dec.  30,  1893."  (Birds  of  the  Chicago  Area,  1907,  p.  in.) 

Regarding  its  occurrence  in  Wisconsin,  Kumlien  and  Hollister 
write:  "Going  back  to  1870  and  earlier,  it  was  not  at  all  an  uncommon 
bird  in  Bark  River  Woods  in  Jefferson  County,  where  it  bred  regularly 
as  late  as  1872,  and  sparingly  even  later.  * '  *  *  *  One  was  shot  in 
Jefferson  County  in  1877  in  late  fall,  the  last  record  for  the  section. 
One  was  seen  in  Walworth  County  in  May,  1889.  In  the  central  and 
northern  part  of  the  state  it  is  still  fairly  common,  especially  in  the 
heavily  timbered  hardwood  districts.  *  *  *  *  We  received  a  speci- 
men in  October,  1898,  which  had  been  killed  by  a  boy  with  a  sling 
shot  in  Lincoln  Park,  Chicago." 

Nests  in  a  hole  in  a  tree,  usually  fifty  or  more  feet  from  the  ground. 
The  eggs  are  white,  five  or  six  in  number,  and  measure  about  1.30  x 
.95  inches. 

Genus  MELANERPES  Swainson. 

195.     Melanerpes  erythrocephalus  (LINN.). 
RED-HEADED  WOODPECKER. 

Distr. :  Eastern  United  States,  from  Rocky  Mountains  to  Florida 
and  north  to  about  latitude  50°;  casual  east  of  the  Hudson  River. 

Adult  male  and  female:  Back,  tail  and  most  of  wing,  bluish  black; 
whole  of  head  and  throat,,  including  upper  breast,  crimson  red; 
greater  portion  of  secondaries  and  wing 
coverts,  pure  white;  under  parts,  white, 
more  or  less  tinged  with  buff;  tail,  black, 
the  outer  feathers  more  or  less  margined 
with  white;  bill,  slaty  brown  or  horn 
color.  The  sexes  are  similar. 

Immature:   Head  and  neck,  brownish 
gray,  streaked  with  dusky;  feathers  of  the 
back,  blackish,   faintly  tipped  witli  gray- 
ish   white;    primaries,    brownish    black; 
secondaries,     broadly      but      irregularly 
barred  with  black  and  white;  tail,  black, 
most  of  the  feathers  tipped  with  white; 
under  parts,  whitish,  streaked  with  dusky, 
most  heavily  on  the  throat  and  breast. 
Length,  9;  wing,  5. 25;  tail,  3.40;  bill,  i. 
The    Red-headed    Woodpecker    is    an 
Red-headed  Woodpecker.  abundant  summer  resident  in  Illinois  and 


5i8     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Wisconsin  and  a  regular  winter  resident  in  southern  Illinois.  A  few 
remain  during  the  winter  in  southern  Wisconsin  and  northern  Illi- 
nois, but  the  great  majority  go  south. 

Nests  in  a  hole  in  a  dead  tree  or  stump.  The  eggs  are  white,  five 
or  six  in  number,  and  measure  about  .98  x-«75  inches.  Breeds  in  May 
and  June. 

Genus  CENTURUS  Swainson. 
196.     Centurus  carolinus  (LINN.). 

RED-BELLIED  WOODPECKER. 

Melanerpes  carolinus  (LiNN.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  P-  I66. 

Distr.:  Eastern  and  southern  United  States,  from  New  York, 
Michigan,  and  Ontario  to  the  Gulf  states;  west  to  Nebraska,  Kansas, 
and  Texas ;  not  numerous  in  northern  part  of  its  range. 

Adult  male:  Top  of  head  and  nape,  scarlet  red,  becoming  pale 
on  the  forehead;  back  and  wings  barred  with  black  and  white;  under 


Red-bellied  Woodpecker. 

parts,  ashy  gray,  more  or  less  tinged  with  olive  gray  on  the  sides; 
middle  of  belly,  red,  and  breast  sometimes  tinged  with  red;  tail,  black, 
the  outer  feathers  and  inner  webs  of  middle  feathers  irregularly  barred 
with  white;  basal  half  of  primaries,  white,  marked  with  black; 
terminal  half,  dark  brown. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  519 

Adult  female:  Similar,  but  only  the  nape  and  feathers  about  the 
nostrils,  red;  the  crown,  ashy  gray. 

Immature  birds  have  the  belly  tinged  with  buff. 

Length,  9.40;   wing,  5.10;   tail,  3.25;    bill,  i.io. 

The  Red-bellied  Woodpecker  is  a  rather  uncommon  resident  in 
northern  Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  but  common  in  southern  Illinois, 
Mr.  H.  K.  Coale  observed  a  pair  in  Lincoln  Park  in  July,  and  a  few 
are  observed  every  year  in  and  about  Chicago. 

According  to  Kumlien  and  Hollister  it  has  been  found  breeding 
several  times  in  Jefferson  County,  Wisconsin.  "The  nesting  sites 
were  always  in  large,  dead  trees  overhanging  water  and  generally  at 
a  considerable  height  and  very  hard  to  reach.  Mr.  W.  E.  Snyder 
records  three  specimens  from  Dodge  County  in  June,  October,  and 
November.  We  took  a  single  specimen  in  Milwaukee  County  in 
May,  1882,  but  in  no  part  of  the  state  have  we  found  it  as  plenty  as 
along  the  bottom  lands  of  Koshkonong  Creek,  Jefferson  County." 
(Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  77.) 

Breeds  from  April  15  to  June  i ;  nests  in  holes  in  trees  and  stumps. 
The  eggs  are  white,  four  to  six  in  number,  and  measure  about  1.05  x 
.75  inches. 

The  Field  Museum  collection  contains  a  set  of  3  eggs  taken  at  Joliet, 
Illinois,  May  26,  1906. 


Genus   COLAPTES  Swainson. 
197.     Colaptes  auratus  luteus  BANGS. 

NORTHERN  FLICKER. 

Distr.:  "Eastern  and  northern  North  America,  south  to  North 
Carolina,  west  to  the  eastern  base  of  the  Rocky  Mountains;  occasional 
on  Pacific  slope  from  California  northward."  (A.  O.  U.) 

Adult  male:  Top  of  head  and  sides  of  neck,  ashy  gray;  a  band  of 
scarlet  on  back  of  the  head  (nuchal  band  ) ;  sides  of  head,  whole  throat 
and  upper  breast,  lilac  brown;  a  broad  black  band  on  the  breast;  a 
black  submaxillary  stripe  (on  the  cheeks  extending  to  base  of  trie  bill) ; 
back  and  exposed  wing  coverts,  olive  brown,  with  bars  of  black; 
under  parts,  whitish,  shading  to  buffy  white  on  the  sides  and  marked 
with  numerous  round,  black  spots;  upper  surface  of  primaries,  dark 
brown;  the  shafts  of  the  feathers  bright  yellow;  under  surface  of 
primaries,  golden  yellow;  upper  surface  of  tail  feathers,  blackish, 
-  some  "of  them  edged  with  buffy  white  spots,  the  shafts,  yellow;  under 
surface  of  tail,  golden  yellow,  tipped  with  black;  rump,  pure  white 
(conspicuous  when  flying) ;  bill,  horn  color. 


520     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Northern  Flicker. 

Adult  female:  Similar,  but  lacking  the  black  streaks  on  the  cheeks. 

Immature  birds  are  similar,  but  often  show  more  red  on  the  head. 

Length,  12.50;  wing,  6.10;   tail,  4.50;   bill,  1.40. 

An  abundant  summer  resident  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  the 
majority  arriving  early  in  April  and  remaining  with  us  until  October. 
A  few  remain  in  northern  Illinois  all  winter,  and  it  is  common  in  win- 
ter in  the  southern  part  of  the  state.  Specimens  are  occasionally 
taken  having  the  yellow  on  the  tail  feathers  replaced  by  orange  red, 
possibly  due  to  reversion  or  hybridization  of  the  eastern  form  with 
the  red-shafted  western  species. 

It  breeds  in  May  and  early  June.  The  nest  is  usually  built  in  a 
hole  in  a  tree,  but  occasionally  in  such  places  as  hollow  piazza,  posts 
or  holes  in  roofs  of  summer  houses.  The  eggs  are  usually  from  six  to 
nine  in  number,  pure  white,  and  measure  about  1.08  x  .85  inches. 

This  species  is  known  by  various  local  names,  such  as  High-hole, 
Yellow-hammer,  Golden-winged  Woodpecker,  etc.  The  cry  is  loud 
and  piercing,  and  it  has  a  curious  song  or  call  which  may  be  poorly 
described  as  wick-er-wick-er-wick-er-wick-er-wick-er. 


ORDER  MACROCHIRES. 

GOATSUCKERS,    SWIFTS,    ETC. 
Suborder  CAPRI MULGI.      Goatsuckers,  etc. 

Family     CAPRIMULGID^E.        Nighthawks, 
Whip-poor-wills,   etc. 

Between  85  and  90  known  species  belonging  to  this  family  are 
distributed  throughout  the  warmer  parts  of  the  globe.  They  are 
nocturnal  in  their  habits,  being  rarely  seen  in  the  day  time  except 
when  frightened  from  their  hiding  places  in  some  wood  or  thicket. 

Our  species  are  strictly  insectivorous,  and  they  capture  their 
food  while  on  the  wing.  Their  notes  are  characteristic  and  varied, 
some  like  the  Whip-poor-will  being  well  known.  On  account  of 
their  small  and  comparatively  weak  feet  they  rest  lengthwise  on  a 
branch  and  do  not  perch  in  the  manner  of  other  birds. 


Genus  ANTROSTOMUS  Bonap. 

198.     Antrostomus  carolinensis  (GMEL.). 
CHUCK-WILL'S-WIDOW. 

Distr.:  Southern  United  States,  north  to  Virginia,  southern  Illi- 
nois, and  Kansas;  south  to  Cuba,  Central  America,  and  Colombia  in 
winter. 

Adult  male:  Plumage,  soft;  mouth,  large;  bill,  small;  lateral 
filaments  to  the  bristles  of  the  mouth;  general  color,  pale  rufous,  or 
tawny  brown,  mottled  with  black,  buff  and  dull  white;  crown, 
streaked  with  black  feathers;  throat,  with  a  bar  of  buffy  white; 
breast,  darker  than  belly,  but  the  entire  under  parts  variegated  with 
tawny,  black  and  buff  white,  the  prevailing  color  being  tawny;  prima- 
ries, black,  heavily  marked  with  rufous  brown;  tail  feathers  (except 
the  four  middle  ones) ,  with  large  spaces  of  plain  white  on  upper  sur- 
faces. 

" Adult' female :  Similar,  but  no  white  on  tail,  the  feathers  being 
tawny  rufous  irregularly  mottled  and  barred  with  black;  breast 
band,  tawny  buff  instead  of  whitish. 

521 


522     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Length,  about  12;  wing,  8.25;  tail,  5.50;  bill,  .45. 

The  Chuck-will's-widow  is  a  southern  species  which  occurs  casu- 
ally in  southern  Illinois.  Ridgway  found  it  not  uncommon  as  far 
north  as  Mount  Carmel.  (Orn.  of  Illinois,  1889,  p.  367.) 

Mr.  Otto  Widmann  states  it  is  a  fairly  common  summer  resident 
in  Missouri  "from  Perry  County  southwestward  along  the  southern 
slope  of  the  Ozark  Mountains,  from  the  latter  part  of  April  to  the 
end  of  September"  (Birds  of  Missouri,  1907,  p.  128).  It  has  not  been 
observed  in  Wisconsin. 


199.     Antrostomus  vociferus  (WiLS.). 
WHIP-POOR-WILL. 

Distr. :  Eastern  North  America,  from  Great  Plains  to  the  Atlan- 
tic, and  from  southern  Canada  to  Mexico,  Central  America,  and 
northern  West  Indies. 

Adult  male:  Smaller  than  the  preceding  species,  bristles  of  the 
mouth,  without  lateral  filaments;  plumage,  soft;  bill,  small;  mouth, 


Whip-poor-will. 

large;  general  plumage,  mixed  gray,  tawny  and  black;  the  crown, 
streaked  with  black;  throat,  blackish,  mixed  with  tawny;  a  narrow 
white  band  on  the  breast ;  belly,  tawny  buff,  irregularly  marked  with 
black;  primaries,  dark  brown,  marked  with  imperfect  rufous  bars; 
tail,  grayish,  mottled  with  black  and  buffy  white;  the  three  outer 
feathers  broadly  tipped  with  white  (the  second  and  third  for  about  two 
inches). 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


523 


Adult  female:  Similar,  but  outer  tail  feathers  narrowly  tipped  with 
tawny,  and  throat  band,  pale  buff  instead  of  white. 

Length,  9.50;   wing,  6.10;   bill,  .35;   tail,  4.75. 

The  Whip-poor-will  is  a  summer  resident  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin, 
where  its  familiar  note  is  often  heard,  although  the  bird  itself  is  rarely 
seen  on  account  of  its  nocturnal  habits.  It  usually  arrives  from  the 
south  late  in  April  and  nidification  commences  early  in  May. 

The  eggs  are  two  in  number,  deposited  on  the  ground.  They  are 
grayish  white,  faintly  washed  in  places  with  pale  lilac  and  showing 
a  few  pale  brown  spots.  They  measure  about  1.20  x  .85  inches. 


Genus  CHORDEILES  Swainson. 
200.     Chordeiles  virginianus  (GMEL.). 

NlGHTHAWK. 

Distr. :  Eastern  North  America,  west  to  the  Great  Plains,  and 
from  Labrador  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico ;  south  to  Argentine  Republic  in 
winter. 

Adult  male:  Upper  plumage,  black,  mottled  more  or  less  on  the 
back  with  pale  rufous,  and  on  the  wing  coverts  with  gray  and  buffy 


7 


Nighthawk. 


white;  throat,  white;  breast,  blackish,  marked  with  pale  rufous; 
belly,  barred  with  black  and  white,  and  tinged  with  buff;  primaries, 
blackish,  with  a  single  broad  white  bar  (forming  a  conspicuous  wing 
band  when  flying) ;  tail,  brownish  black,  more  or  less  marked  with 
buff  and  with  a  broad  subterminal,  imperfect  band  of  white. 


524     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Adult  female:  Similar,  but  without  white  tail  band,  and  the  throat, 
tawny  instead  of  white. 

Length,  about  9;  wing,  8;  tail,  4.55;  bill,  .25. 

The  Nighthawk  is  a  common  summer  resident  throughout  Illi- 
nois and  Wisconsin,  arriving  in  May  aild  leaving  again  in  September. 
As  soon  as  the  sun  goes  down,  it  may  be  observed  flying  about  in 
pursuit  of  insects,  uttering  at  frequent  intervals  a  loud,  harsh  "  peet,  " 
the  cry  being  immediately  preceded  by  two  or  three  hurried  strokes 
of  the  wings.  During  the  mating  season  the  male  makes  a  peculiar 
"booming"  sound  preceded  by  a  downward  rush  or  drop  from  a 
considerable  height. 

The  majority  breed  in  June  and  July.  The  eggs  are  two  in  number 
and  are  deposited  on  the  ground  or  flat  rock,  occasionally  on  the  roof 
of  a  house,  without  any  attempt  at  a  nest.  They  are  dull  white, 
speckled  and  marked  with  pale  brownish  gray,  and  measure  about 
1. 1 8  x  .85  inches. 

200a.     Chprdeiles  virginianus  sennetti  (CouEs). 
SENNETT'S  NIGHTHAWK. 

Distr.:    Great  Plains  region,  from  Texas  to  the  Saskatchewan. 

Sennett's  Nighthawk  differs  from  the  eastern  form  in  having  the 
upper  parts  paler  and  the  under  parts  showing  more  white.  Most  of 
the  specimens  of  the  Western  Nighthawk,  C.  v.  henryi,  which  have 
been  recorded  as  taken  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  are  probably  sennetti, 
although  the  variation  in  plumage  is  such  that  individuals  occur 
which  might  be  referable  to  either  form.  The  range  of  the  Western 
Nighthawk,  C.  v.  henryi,  is  supposed  to  be  from  the  Rocky  Mountains 
to  the  Pacific  Ocean,  but  prior  to  the  year  1888  its  range  extended  to 
Illinois,  as  the  "plains"  form,  now  known  as  sennetti,  had  not  been 
recognized  as  separable  from  it. 

In  1875  Nelson  found  what  he  considered  to  be  C.  V.  henryi  breed- 
ing in  considerable  numbers  among  the  sand  hills  near  Waukegan 
(111.),  but  Ridgway  (Cat.  Bds.  111.  1881)  states  they  were  "merely 
somewhat  pale  examples  of  the  eastern  bird." 

The  late  Captain  Charles  Ben  dire  gives  henryi  as  the  prevailing 
form  throughout  the  prairie  regions  of  northern  and  central  Illinois 
(Life  Hist.  Am.  Bds.,  1895,  P-  l(>8)  but  as  he  does  not  recognize  sen- 
netti, the  statement  is  open  to  question. 

Kumlien  and  Hollister  give  henryi  as  occurring  in  Wisconsin,  stat- 
ing that  there  were  three  specimens  in  the  Kumlien  collection,  one 
of  which  was  sent  to  Dr.  Coues  for  identification  and  pronounced 
typical  henryi,  but  at  that  time  sennetti  was  not  recognized. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  525 

A  specimen  labelled  henryi  in  the  Field  Museum  collection  from 
Mr.  C.  K.  Worthen  taken  at  Fox  Island,  Missouri,  is  much  nearer 
sennetti,  and  judging  from  specimens  available  for  examination,  the 
occurance  of  henryi,  at  least  in  Illinois,  requires  further  confirmation. 

Sennett's  Nighthawk  has  been  recorded  from  Iowa  (Bartsch,  Auk, 
1899,  p.  86),  Minnesota  (Lano,  Auk,  1898,  p.  54),  and  has  been  found 
not  uncommon  in  North  Dakota  (Bishop,  Auk,  18^6,  p.  134). 

The  three  forms  may  generally  be  recognized  by  the  following 
characters,  although  there  is  often  much  variation  in  plumage: 

C.  virginianus:  General  plumage,  dark,  the  black  predominating 
on  upper  parts;  under  parts,  barred  with  black  and  white  in  about 
equal  amounts;  very  little  rufous  shown  anywhere. 

C.  v.  sennetti:  Much  paler;  grayish  white  and  brown,  on  upper 
parts;  under  parts,  white,  barred  with  narrow  imperfect  dark  bars, 
the  white  predominating;  very  little  or  no  rufous  noticeable  any- 
where. 

C.  v.  henryi:  Upper  plumage  showing  considerable  tawny  rufous 
marking;  under  parts,  marked  with  tawny  white  and  dusky  black.  • 


Suborder  CYPSELI.     Swifts. 

Family    MICROPODI D^E.      Swifts. 

Swifts  are  often  mistaken  for  swallows  by  those  unfamiliar  with 
birds,  but  are  widely  separated  from  them  both  in  habits  and  struc- 
ture. The  sharp  spines  extending  from  the  tail  feathers  and  sooty 
brown  plumage  will  readily  distinguish  the  species  which  occurs  in 
eastern  North  America. 

A  peculiar  feature  of  this  family  is  the  wonderful  development 
of  the  salivary  gland,  enabling  the  birds  to  salivate  the  material  of 
which  the  nest  is  formed,  not  only  sufficiently  to  glue  it  together  but 
to  attach  it  to  a  rock  or  brick  wall,  often-times  a  chimney.  The  young 
are  fed  by  regurgitation.  The  edible  birds'  nests  of  China  are  made 
by  birds  of  this  family.  About  50  species  are  known  from  various 
parts  of  the  world. 


526     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Subfamily   CHjETURIN^.      Sharp-tailed  Swifts. 

Genus   CH^TURA   Stephens. 
201.     Chaetura  pelagica  (LINN.). 
CHIMNEY  SWIFT. 

Distr. :  Eastern  North  America,  north  to  Labrador,  and  the  Fur 
Countries,  west  to  the  Great  Plains  and  south  to  Central  America 
in  winter. 

Adult:  General  plumage,  sooty  brown,  showing  a  faint  greenish 
tinge  on  the  upper  parts;  throat,  grayish  or  pale  ashy;  a  black  spot 


- 


Chimney  Swift. 


in  front  of  the  eye;  tail  feathers  with  sharp  spines  at  the  ends, 
formed  by  the  shafts  of  the  feathers  extending  beyond  the  webs. 

Length,  about  5.50;   wing,  4.90;   tail,  1.85;   bill,  .18. 

The  Chimney  Swift  is  a  common  summer  resident  in  Illinois  and 
Wisconsin,  usually  arriving  in  April  and  leaving  for  the  south  in 
September  or  early  in  October. 

Nests  in  chimneys  and  hollow  trees.  The  nest  is  made  of  twigs 
glued  together  and  fastened  to  the  side  of  the  chimney  or  tree  by 
secretion  from  the  bird's  salivary  glands.  The  eggs  are  white,  usually 
five  or  six,  and  measure  about  .85  x  .50  inches.  Nidification  usually 
commences  in  May. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — -CORY. 


527 


Suborder  TROCHILI.      Hummingbirds. 

Family      TROCHILID^.        Hummingbirds. 

Hummingbirds  are  peculiar  to  America,  ranging  from  Alaska 
to  southern  South  America.  More  than  400  species  are  recognized, 
most  of  which  are  restricted  to  tropical  parts  of  South  and  Central 
America.  Some  18  species  occur  in  North  America,  but  only  one  is 
found  in  eastern  United  States.  When  flying  the  rapid  movements 
of  the  wings  produce  a  distinct  humming  sound.  The  food  consists 
largely  of  insects,  but  they  also  eat  the  juices  of  flowers. 


Ruby-throated  Hummingbird. 


Genus  TROCHILUS  Linn. 

202.     Trochilus  colubris  LINN. 

RUBY-THROATED  HUMMINGBIRD. 

Distr.:  Eastern  North  America,  from  the  Great  Plains  to  the 
Atlantie  coast,  breeding  from  Labrador  to  Florida;  south  in  winter 
to  Cuba  and  Mexico. 

Adult  male:  Upper  plumage,  golden  green;  wings  and  tail,  dusky 
brown,  tinged  with  purple  when  held  in  the  light;  throat,  metallic 


528     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

ruby  red,  bordered  with  whitish  on  the  breast;  rest  of  under  parts, 
dusky  gray,  tinged  with  green  on  the  sides;  tail,  forked. 

Adult  female:  Similar,  but  no  red  on  throat;  throat  and  under 
parts,  whitish;  tail  with  more  or  less  black  bars,  the  outer  feathers 
tipped  with  white. 

Immature  males  have  the  throat  white,  streaked  with  dusky,  and 
the  feathers  of  the  upper  parts  more  or  less  tipped  with  buff. 

Length,  3.20;   wing,  1.65;  bill,  .65;  tail,  1.20. 

This  beautiful  little  species  is  a  common  summer  resident  in  both 
Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  arriving  in  May  and  the  majority  leaving  for 
the  south  early  in  September.  During  the  summer  months  they  are 
often  seen  darting  from  flower  to  flower,  thrusting  their  bills  into  the 
blossoms,  extracting  the  honey  and  feeding  upon  the  minute  insects 
found  therein.  They  show  a  partiality  for  the  trumpet-shaped  kinds 
such  as  the  honeysuckle  and  begonia.  They  also  catch  very  small 
insects  with  great  dexterity  while  on  the  wing,  and  from  time  to 
time  will  perch  to  rest  on  some  slender  twig  of  bush  or  tree.  The 
note  is  a  faint  cheep. 

It  breeds  in  late  May  and  June.  The  nest  is  a  dainty,  little  struc- 
ture composed  of  plant  down  and  lichens  and  built  on  a  limb,  usually 
from  ten  to  twenty  feet  from  the  ground.  The  eggs  are  two,  pure 
white,  and  measure  about  .48  x  .35  inches.  The  young  are  fed  by 
regurgitation. 


ORDER    PASSERES. 

PERCHING    BIRDS. 
Suborder  CLAMATORES.     Songless  Perching  Birds. 

Family  TYRANNIC^.      Flycatchers. 

Some  350  species  of  Flycatchers  are  known  belonging  to  this  fam- 
ily and  between  35  and  40  of  these  occur  in  North  America.  They 
frequent  wooded  localities,  being  rarely  found  away  from  trees  or 
bushes.  They  are  insectivorous,  catching  their  prey  while  on  the 
wing  with  great  dexterity.  They  are  pugnacious,  especially  during 
the  breeding  season,  fighting  among  themselves  and  fearlessly  attack- 
ing much  larger  birds  which  approach  too  closely  the  vicinity  of  their 
nests.  The  Kingbird  seems  to  have  an  especial  antipathy  for  the 
Crow,  which  it  often  pursues  for  a  considerable  distance. 

Genus  MUSCIVORA  Lacepede. 
203.     Muscivora  forficata  (GMEL.). 

SCISSOR-TAILED    FLYCATCHER. 

Milvulus  forficatus  (Gmel.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  180. 

Distr.:  "Texas,  Oklahoma,  Indian  Territory,  southern  Kansas, 
and  southwestern  Missouri,  south  through  eastern  Mexico  to  Costa 
Rica;  accidental  in  southern  Florida  (Key  West),  New  Jersey,  New 
England  and  at  York  Factory,  Hudson  Bay. "  (A.  O.  U.) 

Adult:  Tail,  very  long  and  forked;  concealed  crown  patch,  orange 
scarlet;  head  and  back,  pale  gray;  rump,  grayish  brown;  throat  and 
breast,  white,  shading  into  pink  on  the  belly  and  sides;  a  patch  of 
bright  scarlet  on  the  sides;  wings,  blackish  brown,  with  pale  edges 
to  inner  webs;  the  long  outer  tail  feathers,  pinkish  white  for  two- 
thirds  of  their  length,  the  ends,  dark  brown;  first  primary,  emargi- 
nate  near  the  tip. 

Langth,  9.50;  wing,  4.60;  tail,  6  to  10  (length  very  variable); 
bill,  .65. 

The  Scissor-tailed  Flycatcher  must  be  considered  an  accidental 
straggler  in  Wisconsin.  Not  recorded  from  Illinois. 

529 


530     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — -ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Scissor-tailed  Flycatcher. 

Kumlien  and  Hollister  state:  "The  only  record  of  the  occurrence 
of  this  bird  in  Wisconsin  is  that  of  the  single  adult  male  taken  by  L. 
Kumlien,  near  Milton,  Rock  County,  October  i,  1905.  The  bird  was 
perched  on  a  fence  by  the  roadside  and  was  shot  as  it  flew  away. 
Although  a  cold,  blustering  day,  it  seemed  entirely  at  ease  and 
was  in  perfect  condition,  being  very  fat.  The  specimen  is  preserved 
at  Milton."  (  Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  80.) 


Genus  TYRANNUS  Cuvier. 

204.     Tyrannus  tyrannus  (LINN.). 

KINGBIRD. 

Distr.:  "North  America,  from  the  British  Provinces  south,  in 
winter,  through  eastern  Mexico,  Central  and  South  America.  Less 
common  west  of  the  Rocky  Mountains."  (A.  O.  U.) 

Adult:  Top  and  sides  of  head,  blackish,  shading  into  dusky  slate 
on  the  back;  a  concealed  crown  patch  of  fiery  orange  red;  throat, 
white;  breast,  ashy,  rest  of  under  parts,  white;  first  and  second  pri- 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  531 


Kingbird. 

maries,  emarginate  or  "notched"  near  the  ends;  primaries,  dark 
brown;  tail,  black,  tipped  with  white.  The  sexes  are 'similar; 

Immature  birds  are  without  the  orange  red  crown  patch,  and 
the  outer  primaries,  not  emarginate. 

Length,  8;   wing,  4.50;   tail,  3.50;   bill,  .60. 

The  Kingbird  is  a  common  summer  resident  in  Illinois  and  Wiscon- 
sin, arriving  from  the  South  late  in  April.  It  may  often  be  observed 
perched  upon  a  dead  twig,  watching  for  insects  which  it  dashes  after 
and  catches  with  great  dexterity  while  on  the  wing,  when  it  will  usually 
return  to  the  same  post  of  observation.  The  notes  are  a  series  of 
loud  sharp  twitters. 

It  breeds  in  May  and  June.  The  nest  is  composed  of  dry  weeds, 
grass  and  moss,  built  on  a  limb,  usually  from  ten  to  twenty  feet 
from  the  ground.  The  eggs  are  four  or  five,  dull  white,  spotted 
with  dark  brown,  and  measure  about  i.oo  x  .75  inches.  There  are 
contained  in  the  collection  of  the  Museum  several  sets  of  eggs  taken 
at  Joliet  and  about  Chicago  between  June  12  and  16. 


205.     Tyrannus  verticalis  SAY. 
ARKANSAS  KINGBIRD. 

Distr.:  Western  United  States,  from  British  Columbia  to  Mexico 
and  Guatemala;  accidental  in  Massachusetts,  Wisconsin,  Maryland, 
New  Jersey,  New  York,  and  Maine. 

Adult:  Top  and  sides  of  head,  gray,  a  concealed  patch  of  fiery 
orange  red;  chin,  whitish,  rest  of  throat,  gray;  back,  grayish  olive; 


532     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

belly,  yellow;  primaries,  dark  brown,  the  first  very  much  attenuated, 
the  others  gradually  less  so;  outer  web  of  outer  tail  feather,  entirely 
white,  rest  of  tail,  dull  black;  bill,  dark  brown. 

Immature  birds  lack  the  orange  red  patch  on  the  head,  and  the 
primaries  are  not  attenuated. 

Length,  9.00;   wing,  4.45;   tail,  4;   bill,  .70. 

The  single  specimen  of  this  western  species  which  has  been  taken 
within  our  limits  is  recorded  by  Messrs.  Kumlien  and  Hollister: 
"An  adult  female  was  shot  near  Albion,  Dane  County,  Wisconsin, 
June  n,  1877.  The  specimen  is  preserved  in  the  Museum  of  Milton 
College."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  80.) 


Genus   MYIARCHUS   Cabanis. 

206.     Myiarchus  crinitus  (LiNN.). 

CRESTED  FLYCATCHER. 

Distr.:  "Eastern  United  States  and  southern  Canada,  west  to 
Manitoba  and  the  Plains,  south  through  eastern  Mexico  to  Costa 
Rica,  Panama,  and  Colombia:  Breeds  from  Florida  northward." 
(A.  O.  U.) 

Adult:  Crown  and  back,  dull  olive;  throat  and  upper  breast,  gray; 
belly  and  under  tail  coverts,  yellow;  primaries,  brown,  edged  with 


Crested  Flycatcher. 

pale  rufous;   middle  tail  feathers,  brown,  rest  of  tail  feathers  have  the 
inner  webs  rufous,  the  outer  webs,  brown. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  533 

Length,  about  8.50;  wing,  4;  tail,  4;  bill,  .75. 

The  Crested  Flycatcher  is  a  regular  although  not  a  common  sum- 
mer resident  in  northern  Illinois  and  Wisconsin;  more  numerous  in 
southern  Illinois.  The  nest  is  placed  in  a  hole  in  a  tree,  sometimes  a 
deserted  woodpecker's. nest  is  used.  The  eggs  are  from  four  to  six 
in  number,  dull  white  or  cream  white,  streaked  with  chocolate  brown. 
They  measure  about  .90  x  .70  inches. 

The  Field  Museum  collection  contains  a  nest  and  egg  taken  at 
Joliet, 111.,  June  12,  1906,  and  a  set  of  five  eggs  at  New  Lenox  (Chicago), 
111.,  June  27,  1905. 


Genus   SAYORNIS  Gray. 
207.     Sayornis  phoebe  (LATH.). 
PHOEBE  FLYCATCHER 

Distr. :  Eastern  North  America,  west  to  Colorado  and  Texas,  and 
from  the  British  Provinces  south  to  Mexico  and  Cuba  in  winter. 
Breeds  from  about  the  latitude  of  South  Carolina  northward. 

Adult:  Both  mandibles,  blackish;  upper  plumage,  olive  brown; 
the  top  and  sides  of  the  head,  decidedly  darker  than  the  back;  under 
parts,  dull  whitish,  faintly  tinged  with  very  pale  yellow,  at  times 
hardly  noticeable;  sides  of  breast,  grayish  brown;  wings  and  tail 
dusky  brown,  the  secondaries  and  outer  tail  feathers  narrowly  edged 
with  white;  a  somewhat  obscure  whitish  ring  around  the  eye;  pri- 
maries, not  emarginate. 

Length,  about  7;   wing,  3.25;   tail,  3.15;   bill,  .50. 

The  Phoebe  Flycatcher,  or  Phoebe  as  it  is  usually  called,  is  an 
abundant  summer  resident  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  breeding 
throughout  both  states.  In  connection  with  its  size,  the  dark  brown 
or  blackish  lower  mandible  and  the  white  outer  vane  of  the  outer  tail 
feather  will  easily  distinguish  it  from  other  local  species. 

It  arrives  from  the  south  early  in  April  and  at  once  begins  mating. 
The  nest  is  rather  large,  composed  of  moss,  grass  and  mud,  and  lined 
with  hair  and  feathers.  It  is  built  on  rocks,  beams  of  old  buildings, 
bridges,  etc.  The  eggs  are  5  or  6,  usually  pure  white,  but  sometimes 
showing  a  few  dots  or  spots  of  brown.  Size  about  .82  x  .56  inches. 

The  Field  Museum  collection  contains  the  following  sets  of  eggs 
from  northern  Illinois,  i  egg,  Joliet,  111.,  May  8,  1906;  5  eggs, 
Chicago,  111.,  May  n,  1904;  5  eggs,  Joliet,  111.,  June  17,  1905;  5 
Joliet,  111.,  June  17,  1906;  2  eggs,  Chicago,  111.,  June  27,  1905. 


534     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

208.     Sayornis  saya  (BONAP.). 
SAY'S  PHCEBE  FLYCATCHER. 

Distr. :  Western  United  States,  from  Dakota  and  Nebraska  to  the 
Pacific,  and  from  Arctic  Alaska  south  to  southern  California  and  Mex- 
ico; accidental  in  Illinois,  Wisconsin,  Iowa,  and  Massachusetts. 

Adult:  Upper  parts,  grayish  olive  brown;  the  head,  darker,  the 
feathers  on  the  crown  with  dark  centers;  throat  and  breast,  olive 
gray,  shading  into  cinnamon  brown  on  the  belly;  wings,  brownish 
black,  edged  with  whitish  on  the  coverts  and  inner  feathers;  under 
wing  coverts,  buffy  white;  tail,  entirely  black;  bill,  black. 

Length,  about  7;  wing,  3.75  to  4.30;  bill,  .55. 

An  accidental  straggler  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin.  Mr.  E.  W. 
Nelson  records  two  specimens  in  the  Northwestern  University  at 
Evanston  from  West  Northfield,  111.,  (Birds  N.  E.  Illinois,  1876,  p. 
112);  and  Dr.  T.  M.  Brewer  states  (Baird,  Brewer,  and  Ridgway,  N. 
A.  Birds,  Vol.  II,  1874,  p.  349):  "  This  species  has  been  observed  as 
far  to  the  east  as  Racine,  Wisconsin,  where  it  was  taken  by  Dr.  P. 
R.  Hoy.  This  specimen  was  sent  to  Mr.  Cassin  and  its  identity  fully 
established." 

Genus  NUTTALLORNIS  Ridgw. 

209.     Nuttallornis  borealis  (SWAINS.). 

OLIVE-SIDED  FLYCATCHER. 

Contopus  borealis  (Swains.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  185. 

Distr.:  Distributed  throughout  North  America,  breeding  from 
the  mountainous  regions  of  the  United  States  to  British  Columbia, 
and  accidental  to  Alaska  and  Greenland;  in  winter  south  to  Central 
and  South  America  as  far  as  Peru. 

Adult:  Wing,  longer  than  tail;  upper  parts,  brownish  olive; 
throat  and  middle  of  belly,  whitish,  usually  faintly  tinged  with  yellow; 
greater  portion  of  breast  and  sides  of  body,  brownish  olive,  the  breast 
faintly  streaked;  primaries,  dark  brown;  the  secondaries  and  tertials, 
narrow,  tipped  or  edged  with  whitish;  tail,  brownish  black;  upper 
mandible,  brownish  black;  under  mandible,  mostly  dull  yellowish; 
a  tuft  of  fluffy  whitish  feathers  on  the  flanks,  the  last  being  a  good 
character  by  which  this  species  may  be  distinguished. 

Length,  about  7 ;  wing,  3.85  to  4.30;  tail,  3;  bill  .70. 

The  Olive-sided  Flycatcher  occurs  as  a  rather  uncommon  migrant 
in  Illinois  and  southern  Wisconsin;  and  a  casual  summer  resident  in 
northern  Wisconsin,  where  it  breeds  in  the  coniferous  forests. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  535 

The  nest  is  composed  of  twigs  and  moss  placed  in  a  tree,  usually 
near  the  extremity  of  a  limb.  The  eggs  are  from  four  to  five,  pale 
lavender  white,  spotted  at  the  larger  end  with  rusty  brown  and  lilac 
gray,  and  measure  about  .84  x  .62  inches. 


Genus   MYIOCHANES   Cabanis  &   Heine. 

210.     Myiochanes  virens  (LINN.). 

WOOD  PEWEE. 

Contopus  virens  (Linn.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  186. 

Distr.:  Eastern  North  America,  from  the  Plains  to  the  Atlantic 
and  from  southern  Canada  to  the  Gulf;  south  in  winter  to  Mexico, 
Central  America,  and  northern  South  America.  Breeds  in  eastern 
North  America  from  Florida  to  Newfoundland. 

Adult:  Wing,  longer  than  tail;  under  mandible,  pale  yellowish 
brown;  upper  mandible,  brownish  black;  back,  brownish  olive; 
crown,  dark  olive  brown,  shading  into  the  lighter  color  of  the  back; 
throat  and  belly,  dull  yellowish  white;  breast  and  sides  of  body,  gray 
or  olive  gray;  wings  and  tail,  dark  brown,  the  wing  coverts  narrowly 
edged  with  whitish. 

Immature  birds  have  the  wing  coverts  edged  with  pale  buff. 

Length,  6.60;   wing,  3.30;  tail,  2.60;  bill,  .50. 

The  Wood  Pewee  Flycatcher  is  a  common  summer  resident  in 
Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  usually  arriving  about  the  first  of  May. 

It  breeds  in  June.  The  nest  is  on  a  limb  of  a  tree,  usually  from 
20  to  30  feet  from  the  ground,  and  is  composed  of  grass,  twigs,  and 
moss,  covered  with  green  and  gray  lichens.  The  eggs  are  3  to  4  in 
number,  cream  white  or  buff  white,  spotted  at  the  larger  end  with 
umber  brown  and  lilac  gray,  and  measure  about  .70  x  .54  inches. 
The  Field  Museum  collection  contains  several  sets  of  eggs  taken  in 
northern  Illinois  between  June  2  and  June  23.  The  notes  of  the 
Wood  Pewee  are  very  varied,  but  the  most  characteristic  is  the  oft- 
repeated,  high,  plaintive  whistle,  Pee-e-wee,  from  which  it  has  derived 
its  name. 

211.     Myiochanes  richardsonii  (SWAINS.). 
WESTERN  WOOD  PEWEE. 

Contopus  richardsonii  (Swains.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  186. 

Distr.:  "Western  United  States,  from  the  Plains  to  the  Pacific, 
north  to  British  Columbia  and  the  interior  of  British  America,  south 
through  Central  America  to  Colombia."  (A.  O.  U.) 


536     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

The  Western  Wood  Pewee  differs  from  M.  virens  in  being  darker 
and  less  olivaceous  above,  and  having  the  wings  and  tail  averaging 
longer.  While  generally  recognized  as  distinct,  the  differences 
between  this  and  the  preceding  species  are  very  slight. 

Wing,  3.20  to  3.50;    tail,  2.55  to  2.95., 

This  species,  if  it  occurs  at  all,  can  only  be  considered  as  an  acci- 
dental straggler  within  our  limits.  It  has  apparently  not  been  ob- 
served in  Iowa  or  Illinois,  although  it  is  known  to  occur  in  western 
Nebraska  and  western  Kansas. 

It  is  included  by  Kumlien  and  Hollister  who  state:  "Several 
typical  western  wood  pewees  have  been  taken  at  Lake  Koshkonong. 
One  pair  with  nest  and  eggs  were  identified  by  Dr.  Coues  as  unques- 
tionably of  this  species.  Not  reported  by  other  observers  at  any 
point  in  the  state  and  we  can  add  nothing  to  the  above  bare  facts.' 
(Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  82.) 


Genus   EMPIDONAX   Cabanis. 

212.     Empidonax  flaviventris  BAIRD. 

YELLOW-BELLIED  FLYCATCHER. 


Yellow-bellied  Flycatcher. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  537 

Distr.:  "Eastern  North  America,  west  to  the  Plains,  and  from 
southern  Labrador  south  through  eastern  Mexico  to  Panama,  breed- 
ing from  th,e  Northern  States  northward.  Casual  in  Greenland." 
(A.  O.  U.) 

Adult:  Upper  mandible,  brownish  black;  under  mandible,  yellow- 
ish white;  upper  parts,  olive  green;  throat  and  under  parts,  greenish 
yellow,  tinged  with  olive  on  the  breast  and  sides;  wing  coverts,  tipped 
with  yellowish  white  (buff  in  immature  birds),  forming  distinct  bands; 
eye  ring,  pale  yellow. 

Length,  5.60;  wing,  2.60;  tail,  2.18;  bill,  .37. 

A  not  uncommon  migrant  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin  and  an  occa- 
sional summer  resident  in  the  latter  state,  where  it  is  known  to  breed. 
Thure  Kumlien  is  recorded  as  having  taken  three  nests  and  eggs  from 
1860  to  1864,  and  L.  Kumlien  procured  a  nest  in  a  tamarack  swamp 
near  Albion,  June  25,  1891. 

The  nest  of  this  species  is  composed  of  moss  and  grass  placed  on  an 
old  log  or  mossy  bank.  The  eggs  are  usually  four,  dull  white,  marked 
with  cinnamon  brown  more  heavily  at  the  larger  end.  They  measure 
about  .72  x  .52  inches. 


2 1 3.     Empidonax  virescens  (VIEILL.)  . 
GREEN-CRESTED  FLYCATCHER.     ACADIAN  FLYCATCHER. 

Distr.:  "Eastern  United  States,  north  to  southern  New  York 
and  southern  Michigan,  west  to  the  Plains,  south  to  Cuba  and  Costa 
Rica.  Rare  or  casual  in  southern  New  England  (Hyde  Park,  Mass.)." 
(A.  O.  U.) 

Adult:  First  primary,  about  as  long  as  fifth;  upper  mandible, 
dark  brown;  under  mandible,  dull  whitish  or  pale  flesh  color  in  life; 
upper  plumage,  clear  olive  green;  under  parts,  whitish,  washed  with 
olive  on  sides  of  body  and  on  the  breast;  throat,  whitish;  belly, 
generally  tinged  with  pale  yellow;  eye  ring  and  wing  bars,  buffy  white 
or  pale  tawny  white.  Fall  birds  have  the  yellow  somewhat  brighter- 
Length,  5.75  to  6.20;  wing,  2.80  to  3;  tail,  2.50  to  2.75;  bill,  .50. 
The  Green-crested  Flycatcher  is  a  rather  common  summer  resi- 
dent throughout  Illinois,  where  it  breeds.  Kumlien  and  Hollister  do 
not  include  this  species  in  their  Birds  of  Wisconsin,  but  this  Museum 
possesses  a  nest  and  eggs  taken  by  Mr.  John  F.  Ferry  near  Lake  Forest, 
Illinois,  and  several  specimens  have  been  taken  so  near  the  Wisconsin 
line  that  there  is  little  doubt  of  its  occurrence,  at  least  in  the  extreme 
southern  portion  of  that  state. 

The  majority  breed  in  June  in  this  latitude.     The  nest  is  a  flat 


538      FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

structure,  usually  placed  near  the  end  of  a  branch.  The  eggs  are 
three  to  four  (usually  three)  in  number,  cream  white,  speckled  or 
spotted  chiefly  at  the  larger  end  with  rusty  brown,  and  measure  about 
.72  x  .52  inches. 

The  Field  Museum  collection  contains  the  following  sets  of  eggs 
from  northern  Illinois:  3  eggs,  Joliet,  111.,  June  6,  1906;  3  eggs, 
Joliet,  111.,  June  8,  1906;  3  eggs,  Joliet,  111.,  June  9,  1906;  3  eggs, 
Joliet,  111.,  June  16,  1906;  3  eggs,  Joliet,  111.,  June  24,  1907;  3  eggs, 
Lake  Forest,  111.,  June  27,  1906. 

Length,  5,50  to  6.10;  wing,  2.70  to  2.85;  tail,  about  2.35  to  2.50; 
bill,  about  .45. 

214.     Empidonax  traillii  (Auo.). 
TRAILL'S  FLYCATCHER. 

Distr.:  "Western  North  America,  from  the  Mississippi  Valley 
(Ohio,  Illinois,  and  Michigan)  to  the  Pacific,  and  from  the  Fur 
Countries  south  into  Mexico."  (A.  O.  U.) 

Adult:  First  primary,  decidedly  shorter  than  fifth;  eye  ring,  and 
wing  bars  (formed  by  the  pale  tips  of  the  greater  and  lesser  wing 
coverts),  ashy  white;  upper  mandible,  brownish  black;  under  mandi- 
ble, pale  brown  or  horn  color;  upper  plumage,  olive  brown,  darker 
on  the  head;  throat,  whitish;  breast  and  sides  of  body,  washed  with 
olive  gray;  belly,  whitish,  faintly  tinged  with  pale  yellow. 

Length,  5.50  to  6.10;  wing,  2.70  to  2.85;  tail,  about  2.35  to  2.50; 
bill,  about  .45. 

Traill's  Flycatcher  differs  from  the  eastern  race  (E.  t.  alnorum) 
in  having  the  upper  parts  brownish  olive  (instead  of  greenish  olive). 
There  are  other  slight  characters  which  are  apparently  inconstant, 
such  as  somewhat  larger  bill  and  browner  wing  bands. 

A  regular,  but  by  no  means  common  summer  resident  in  Illinois 
and  of  casual  occurrence  in  Wisconsin.  Mr.  F.  M.  Woodruff  records 
a  brood  of  young  birds  observed  near  Calumet  Lake,  Chicago,  June  10, 
1896.  Mr.  Robert  Ridgway  found  it  breeding  near  Mt.  Carmel, 
111.,  and  Mr.  B.  T.  Gault  procured  a  nest  and  four  eggs  in  Dupage 
Co.,  111.  Kumlien  and  Ho.llister  state  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p. 
83):  "A  specimen  taken  at  Delavan  (Wisconsin),  August  i,  1907, 
has  been  identified  by  Mr.  Brewster  as  typical  traillii.  Perhaps  occurs 
as  a  regular  summer  resident  in  parts  of  southern  and  southwestern 
Wisconsin;  but  more  specimens  will  be  necessary  to  satisfactorily 
determine  its  range  and  abundance." 

The  nest  is  cup  shaped  and  is  usually  built  in  forks  of  upright 
branches  of  bushes  or  small  trees.  The  eggs  are  from  3  to  4,  cream 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  539 

white,  spotted  and  marked  with  rusty  brown  chiefly  at  the  larger  end, 
and  measure  about  .71  x  .52  inches. 


2l4a.     Empidonax  traillii  alnorum  BREWSTER. 
ALDER  FLYCATCHER. 

Distr.:  Eastern  North  America,  from  the  Maritime  Provinces 
and  New  England  westward  at  least  to  Michigan,  Wisconsin,  and  Illi- 
nois, breeding  from  the  southern  edge  of  the  Canadian  fauna  (and 
probably  northern  Wisconsin)  northward;  south  in  winter  to  Central 
America. 

Similar  to  Traill's  Flycatcher,  E.  traillii,  but  differs  in  being  more 
greenish  olive  above  (instead  of  brownish  olive  as  in  traillii} ,  the  hind 
neck  rather  more  gray  and  having  the  bill  averaging  smaller.  The 
differences  are  slight  and  specimens  occur  which  might  be  difficult 
to  determine  with  certainty.  Such  specimens  should  be  sent  to  a 
specialist  for  identification. 

The  Alder  Flycatcher,  while  not  common,  occurs  regularly  in 
Illinois  and  Wisconsin  during  the  migrations,  and  probably  breeds 
in  the  northern  portion  of  the  latter  state.  Kumlien  and  Hollister 
state  they  have  taken  specimens  in  Wisconsin  (identified  by  Mr. 
Brewster)  in  late  May  and  June.  In  Illinois  it  seems  to  be  more  com- 
mon in  spring  and  fall  than  traillii.  The  Museum  collection  contains 
a  number  of  specimens  of  this  form  taken  in  Illinois. 

215.     Empidonax  minimus  BAIRD. 
LEAST  FLYCATCHER. 

Distr.:  "  Chiefly  eastern  North  America,  west  to  eastern  Colorado 
and  central  Montana,  south  in  winter  to  Central  America.  Breeds 
from  the  Northern  States  northward."  (A.  O.  U.) 

Adult:  Very  similar  to  E.  traillii,  but  smaller;  wing  less  than  2.60 
inches  long  (averaging  about  2.45);  first  primary,  shorter  than  fifth; 
eye  ring  and  wing  bars  (ends  of  greater  and  lesser  wing  coverts) ,  ashy 
white;  upper  mandible,  brownish  black;  under  mandible,  pale  brown- 
ish or  horn  color;  upper  plumage,  olive  brown;  throat  and  belly,  dull 
white,  the  latter  with  a  trace  of  pale  yellow;  breast  and  sides  of  body, 
more  or  less  tinged  with  brownish  olive;  primaries,  dark  brown,  the 
edges  of  the  inner  webs,  pale;  tail,  dark  brown,  but  slightly  lighter 
than  the  wings. 

Length,  about  5  to  5.50;  wings,  2.30  to  2.58;  tail,  2.05  to  2.40; 
bill,  about  .37. 


540     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL. .IX. 

An  abundant  migrant  in  Illinois  and  a  rather  common  summer 
resident  in  the  northern  part  of  the  state.  It  is  a  common  summer 
resident  in  Wisconsin,  usually  arriving  early  in  May  and  leaving  for 
the  south  in  September. 

It  breeds  in  May  or  early  in  June.  The  nest  is  cup  shaped,  placed 
in  the  fork  of  a  branch  in  bushes  or  low  trees.  The  eggs  are  usually 
four,  dull  white,  unmarked  but  sometimes  showing  a  faint  tinge  of 
buff.  They  measure  about  .62  x  .50  inches. 


Suborder  OSCINES.     Song  Birds. 

Family   ALAUDID^.      Larks. 

The  Larks  form  a  comparatively  small  family  of  terrestrial  birds 
frequenting  the  open  plains  and  fields.  They  are  gregarious  except 
during  the  nesting  season  and  have  a  pleasing  song,  although  some 
species  are  much  more  gifted  vocalists  than  others.  The  famous 
European  Skylark  belongs  to  this  family. 

Genus  OTOCORIS  Bonap. 
216.  Otocoris  alpestris  (LINN.). 
HORNED  LARK.  SHORE  LARK. 

Distr.:  Northeastern  North  America,  Greenland,  and  northern 
Europe,  south  in  North  America  to  Missouri  and  the  Carolinas  in 
winter. 

Adult  male:    Forehead,   throat,   and   line   over  the   eye,   yellow; 
front  of  crown,  a  stripe  from  bill  below  the  eye  and  a  shield-shaped 
patch  'on  the   breast,  black;   a  small  tuft  of  elongated   feathers   on 
each    side   of   the    head    (hence    the    name, 
Horned    Lark) ;    back    of   crown,    nape  and 
rump,  dull  vinaceous;  back,  dull  vinaceous, 
mixed  with  gray  and  more  or  less  streaked 
with  dark  brown;  lesser  wing  coverts,  deep 
vinaceous    or    pinkish     brown,     forming    a 
1^_  J  "shoulder"  patch  of  that  color;  tail  feathers, 

except  the  middle  pair,  black,  the  outer 
feather  edged  with  whitish;  outer  primaries, 
fuscous  brown,  the  outer  web  of  the  first 
primary,  whitish. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  541 

Female:  Slightly  smaller  and  plumage  slightly  duller.  In  fall 
plumage  the  black  feathers  on  the  breast  are  tipped  with  yellowish 
white. 

Length,  6.80  to  7.50;  wing,  about  4.40;  tail,  2.80;  bill,  .45. 

The  Horned  Lark  may  usually  be  distinguished  from  the  prairie 
form,  O.  a.  praticola,  by  its  larger  size,  the  yellow  stripe  over  the  eye, 
and  somewhat  browner  coloration. 

It  occurs  as  a  winter  visitant  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  but  can 
not  be  considered  common.  Nelson  states  that  "  it  arrives  in  large 
numbers  with  the  Longspurs  in  October  and  disperses  over  the  prai- 
ries"; but  Mr.  Woodruff  considers  it  a  rare  winter  visitant  in  north- 
eastern Illinois,  which  agrees  with  my  experience,  as  the  Museum  does 
not  possess  a  specimen  of  this  species  taken  in  the  state. 

In  Wisconsin  Kumlien  and  Hollister  state  that  it  is  "  found  on  the 
prairies  during  winter,  ofttimes  in  considerable  numbers." 

In  a  series  of  eastern  specimens  the  wing  measurements  are  as 
follows : 

Males,  wing  (carpus  to  tip),  4.25  to  4.50  inches. 

Females,  wing  (carpus  to  tip),  4.05  to  4.40  inches. 

2l6a.     Otocoris  alpestris  praticola  HENSH. 

PRAIRIE  HORNED  LARK. 

Distr.:  Upper  Mississippi  Valley  and  the  Great  Lakes  region, 
breeding  eastward  to  New  England,  south  in  winter  to  South  Carolina, 
Texas,  etc. 


The  Prairie  Horned  Lark  differs  from  the  eastern  form,  O.  alpestris, 
in  having  the  line  over  the  eye  whitish  (not  yellow) ,  the  throat  but 
faintly  tinged  with  yellow  and  in  being  somewhat  smaller  and  paler. 
Wing,  (carpus  to  tip)  males,  4  to  4.25  inches;  females,  3.75  to  4.20 
inches. 


542     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

It  is  a  common  resident  throughout  the  year  in  Illinois  and  Wis- 
consin, and  is  one  of  the  few  birds  which  may  be  observed  in  flocks 
on  the  open  fields  and  prairies  during  the  winter.  It  breeds  in  Illinois 
from  March  to  May,  more  commonly  in  April,  although  the  late 
Captain  Charles  Bendire  states  that  it  has  been  found  breeding  near 
Milwaukee,  Wisconsin,  as  early  as  February  23.  The  nest  is  composed 
of  grass  placed  on  the  ground.  The  eggs  are  3  to  5,  pale  olive  or  olive 
white,  speckled  and  finely  marked  with  pale  olive  brown,  rarely  with 
cinnamon  brown.  They  measure  about  .85  x  .60  inches. 

2l6b.     Otocoris  alpestris  hoyti  BISHOP. 
HOYT'S  HORNED  LARK. 

Distr.:  British  America,  from  Hudson  Bay  to  Mackenzie  River 
and  from  Athabaska  Lake  to  the  Arctic  coast;  south  in  winter  to 
Kansas,  Michigan,  Ohio,  and  Wisconsin. 

This  form  differs  from  the  Prairie  Horned  Lark,  0.  a.  praticola, 
in  being  larger  and  the  vinaceous  markings  darker.  The  line  over 
the  eye  (superciliary  stripe)  is  whitish  as  in  praticola,  not  yellow  as 
in  alpestris.  Wing  (males),  4.25  to  4.50  inches.  The  females  are 
smaller  and  are  often  difficult  to  distinguish  from  the  prairie  form. 

Hoyt's  Horned  Lark  has  not  been  taken  in  Illinois,  but  may  occur 
as  a  straggler  in  winter,  as  it  has  been  recorded  from  Michigan,  Wis- 
consin, and  Iowa. 

Kumlien  and  Hollister  state  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  84): 
"Have  carefully  gone  over  our  series  from  many  parts  of  the  state. 
We  find,  as  a  consequence,  no  less  than  three  perfectly  typical 
specimens  of  O.  a.  hoyti,  all  procured  in  winter  in  Rock  County, 
from  large  flocks  of  alpestris.  The  birds  are  doubtless  of  rare  but 
regular  occurrence  as  late  fall  stragglers  in  many  open  prairie  sections 
of  the  state." 


Family    CORVID^E.       Crows,  Jays,  Magpies. 

The  Corvidae  are  a  large  family  numbering  about  200  species  dis- 
tributed throughout  the  world.  In  North  America  they  are  repre- 
sented by  two  subfamilies:  Garrulina,  containing  the  Magpies  and 
Jays,  and  the  Cormnaz,  or  Crows  and  Ravens.  The  latter,  although 
constantly  persecuted  by  man,  seem  to  be  abundantly  able  to  take 
care  of  themselves,  as  their  numbers  apparently  do  not  materially 
decrease. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  543 

The  members  of  the  family  which  occur  within  our  limits  prefer 
wooded  parts  of  the  country.  They  are  omnivorous,  eating  grain, 
seeds,  insects,  and  fruit,  as  well  as  eggs  and  young  birds,  etc. 


Subfamily   GARRULIN^.      Magpies  and  Jays. 

Genus   PICA   Brisson. 

217.     Pica  pica  hudsonica  (SAB.). 

AMERICAN  MAGPIE. 

Distr.:  Greater  portion  of  western  North  America,  principally 
in  sparsely  wooded  districts,  from  southern  Arizona  and  New  Mexico 
to  northwestern  Alaska,  east  to  Lake  Winnipeg  and  the  western  por- 
tion of  the  Great  Plains;  accidental  in  Michigan,  Wisconsin,  Illinois, 
Nebraska,  and  Iowa. 

Adult  male:  Whole  head,  neck,  breast  and  back,  black,  tinged  with 
purple  and  gold  when  held  in  the  light ;  belly,  white ;  lower  belly  and 
crissum,  black;  a  large  white  shoulder  patch;  outer  primaries,  mostly 
white,  rest  of  quills,  steel  blue  and  greenish  on  outer  webs;  tail,  very 
long,  showing  iridescent  blue,  green  and  purple;  bill,  black. 

Not  to  be  confounded  with  any  other  species  except  the  western 
yellow-billed  species,  from  which  it  differs  in  the  color  of  bill. 

Wing,  about  8;  tail,  n  to  12  inches  long;  bill,  1.15. 

The  American  Magpie  is  of  accidental  occurrence  in  northern 
Illinois  and  Wisconsin.  Kennicott  *  in  1854  considered  it  "  not  un- 
common in  winter"  in  Cook  Co.,  Illinois.  Mr.  James  O.  Dunn  in  the 
Auk  (Vol.  XII,  1895,  p.  395)  states:  "On  the  morning  of  Oct.  17,1892, 
Mr.  Wallace  Craig  observed  a  magpie  (Pica  pica  hudsonica)  in  a  small 
grove  not  far  from  the  World's  Fair  (Chicago) .  It  was  rather  shy  and 
was  followed  from  tree  to  tree  by  some  Blue  Jays  and  House 
Sparrows.  It  may  have  been  an  escaped  cage  bird." 

According  to  Kumlien  and  Hollister  it  is  a  rare  winter  visitant 
in  Wisconsin.  They  write: 

"  The  Magpie  was  doubtless  formerly  of  more  frequent  occurrence 
in  Wisconsin  than  during  recent  years.  Dr.  Hoy  states  that  two 
were  shot  at  Caledonia  in  December,  1848,  and  one  was  obtained  at 
Bailey's  Harbor  on  Lake  Michigan,  November  15,  1849,  by  a  gentle- 
man from  Racine.  Mr.  J.  N.  Clark  of  Meridian  writes  us  that  one 
was  captured  in  a  trap  in  Dunn  County  in  1870  and  that  he  himself 
saw  one  in  the  same  locality,  at  close  gun  range,  in  February,  1884. 

*  Trans.  111.  State  Agr.  Soc.  for  1853-54-55,  p.  585. 


544     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

In  the  winter  of  1859-60,  Thure  Kumlien  made  a  number  of  ineffectual 
attempts  to  shoot  a  specimen  that  came  daily  to  feed  on  some  hog  offal 
that  had  been  hung  upon  a  neighbor's  fence  when  butchering.  He 
saw  the  bird  plainly  on  two  or  three  occasions  when  he  did  not  have 
a  gun.  This  was  in  Jefferson  County.  ''  A  specimen  was  also  taken 
near  Ashland  in  1880.  Deer  hunters  from  northern  Wisconsin  report 
seeing  specimens,  but  very  rarely.  During  severe  winters  they  are 
sometimes  seen  about  lumber  camps.  A  pine-land  hunter  with  whom 
we  were  acquainted,  said  he  had  seen  perhaps  half  a  dozen  in  all  his 
experience  of  many  years  in  northern  Wisconsin."  (Birds  of  Wis- 
consin, 1903,  p.  84.) 


Genus  CYANOCITTA  Strick. 

218.     Cyanocitta  cristata  (LINN.). 
BLUE  JAY. 

Distr. :  Eastern  North  America  to  the  Plains  and  from  the  Fur 
Countries  south  to  eastern  Texas,  the  Gulf  coast  and  northern  Florida. 

Adult:  Crown,  bluish  purple,  the  feathers  elongated  in  the  form 
of  a  crest  and  tipped  with  black;  forehead  and  spot  in  front  of  the  eye, 
black;  back,  bluish  purple;  throat,  whitish;  a  stripe  of  black  from 


KH 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


545 


the  head  down  sides  of  neck  and  joining,  on  the  breast  forming  a  black 
band;  rest  of  under  parts,  buffy  white,  or  grayish  white;  under  tail 
coverts,  white;  wings,  blue,  banded  with  black,  and  the  tips  of  the 
coverts  and  secondaries,  white;  tail,  blue,  middle  feathers  strongly 
banded  with  black;  rest  of  tail  feathers  showing  more  or  less  black 
bands  and  broadly  tipped  with  white;  bill,  black. 

Length,  n  to  12;   wing,  5  to  6;   tail,  about  5.30;   bill,  1.05. 

The  Blue  Jay  is  a  common  resident  throughout  the  year  in  Illinois 
and  Wisconsin,  being  one  of  our  most  familiar  birds.  In  addition 
to  its  harsh  cry  it  has  a  peculiar  bell  like  note,  and  on  rather  rare 
occasions,  a  delightful  warbling  song.  The  nest  is  usually  built  in 
the  crotch  of  a  tree  and  is  composed  of  small  interwoven  twigs. 
The  eggs  are  from  3  to  6  in  number,  pale  olive  or  pale  buff  color 
with  scattered  markings  and  speckles  of  brown.  They  measure 
about  1. 10  x  .82  inches. 

The  Field  Museum  collection  contains  a  number  of  sets  of  eggs 
taken  in  northern  Illinois  between  May  8  and  June  10. 


Genus  PERISOREUS  Bonap. 
219.     Perisoreus  canadensis  (LiNN.). 
CANADA  JAY. 

Distr.:  Northern  border  of  the  United  States,  from  Wisconsin  to 
the  Atlantic  Ocean  northward  to  Arctic  America. 

Adult:  Plumage,  soft;  back,  dusky  gray;  forehead,  sides  of  head 
and  neck,  and  throat,  whitish;  back  of  head  and  nape,  sooty  black; 
lower  breast  and  belly,  ashy  or  ashy  buff;  primaries,  dark  brown;  the 


546     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

outer  webs,  slate  gray  and  narrowly  tipped  with  white;  tail,  ashy 
gray;  tipped  with  white. 

Length,  about  10.50;  wing,  5. 50  to  5.80;  tail,  6;  bill,  .72. 

The  Canada  Jay,  while  it  is  not  known  to  range  as  far  south  as 
Illinois,  is  a  common  winter  visitant  in  tjie  pine  regions  of  northern 
Wisconsin  and  accidental  as  far  south  as  Racine.  It  may  breed  in 
northern  Wisconsin  as  it  has  been  found  nesting  near  Mahoning, 
northern  Michigan,  by  Mr.  O.  B.  Warren  (Auk,  Vol.  XVI,  p.  12),  and 
in  northern  Minnesota  (Cook,  Bird  Migr.  Miss.  Val.,  1888,  p.  158). 

This  is  a  familiar  bird  about  logging  camps  in  the  north  woods, 
where  it  is  known  by  the  name  of  "  Camp-robber  "  and  "  Whiskey 
Jack." 

Subfamily   CORVINE. 

Genus   CORVUS  Linn. 

220.     Corvus  corax  principalis  RIDGW. 

NORTHERN  RAVEN. 

Distr. :  Northern  North  America,  south  to  British  Columbia 
Michigan,  Wisconsin,  New  Brunswick,  and  Maine,  casual  in  Illinois. 
Replaced  by  the  American  Raven  (C.  c.  sinuatus)  in  the  western 
United  States,  from  Missouri,  southern  Illinois,  and  central  Missis- 
sippi Valley  west  to  California  and  south  to  Mexico  and  Guatemala. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  547 

Adult:  Entire  plumage,  blue  black;  throat  feathers,  elongated 
and  attenuated;  sexes,  similar. 

Length,  21  to  25  or  more;  wing,  16  to  18;  tail,  about  10;  bill,  2.50. 

The  difference  between  the  Northern  and  American  Ravens  is 
mainly  one  of  size,  the  northern  form  being  larger  and  the  bill 
relatively  larger  and  broader;  but  intermediate  specimens  occur 
which  are  apparently  indistinguishable.  Under  the  circumstances, 
for  the  present  at  least,  until  a  series  of  specimens  can  be  obtained 
from  the  different  localities,  it  may  be  well  to  consider  Wisconsin  and 
northern  Illinois  specimens  as  principalis  and  those  from  southern 
Illinois  as  sinuatus. 

According  to  Mr.  Nelson  (Birds  N.  E.  111.,  1876,  p.  112)  the  Raven 
was  "formerly  a  not  uncommon  resident,  now  only  occurs  in  winter 
and  is  rare.  Frequents  the  sand  hills  along  the  lake  shore  from  the 
last  of  October  until  spring.  The  first  of  November,  1875,  I  saw 
several  specimens  near  Waukegan,  where  they  were  repeatedly  seen 
flying  along  the  lake  shore  and  also  eating  the  dead  fish  found  there." 
Mr.  Frank  M.  Woodruff  procured  a  bird  of  this  species  at  Meredosia, 
111.,  on  Oct.  23,  1892.  The  specimen  was  examined  by  Prof.  Ridg- 
way  and  pronounced  principalis  (Auk,  1896,  p.  83).  The  form  which 
occurs  in  Missouri,  however,  is  apparently  the  American  Raven 
(C.  c.  sinuatus),  as  Mr.  Otto  Widman  gives  it  as  formerly  a  perma- 
nent resident  in  that  state  and  records  a  set  of  five  eggs  having  been 
taken  by  Mr.  Philo  W.  Smith,  Jr.,  at  Hahatonka,  Camden  Co.,  Mis- 
souri, on  April  5,  1901  (Trans.  Acad.  Sci.  of  St.  Louis,  1907,  p.  147), 
so  that  it  is  not  unlikely  that  both  forms  may  still  occur  in  Illinois. 

Mr.  Ridgway  states  (Birds  of  Illinois,  1889,  p.  331) :  "  The  Raven  is 
a  very  local  and  nowhere  abundant  bird  in  Illinois.  The  writer  has 
seen  it  only  in  the  bottoms  of  Big  Creek  and  about  the  borders  of 
Fox  Prairie,  in  Richmond  Co.,  where  up  to  1871  at  least  one  or  two 
pairs  might  be  seen  at  almost  any  time,  usually  soaring  in  circles 
over  the  timber."  Mr.  H.  K.  Coale  writes  me  he  observed  a  Raven 
at  Highland  Park,  111.,  in  the  spring  of  1908. 

In  Wisconsin  according  to  Kumlien  and  Hollister,  the  Northern 
Raven  (C.  c.  principalis)  is  not  uncommon.  They  write  (Birds  of  Wis- 
consin, 1903,  p.  85):  "Steadily  decreasing  in  numbers,  but  yet  rather 
a  common  species  in  the  less  settled  portions  of  northern  Wisconsin. 
Dr.  Hoy,  in  1852,  gave  it  as  more  numerous  than  the  next  at  Racine. 
It  has  always  been  considered  as  more  common  along  Lake  Michigan 
than  in  the  interior,  except  in  the  northern  part  of  the  state.  *  *  * 
King  gives  it  as  'common  the  whole  length  of  the  Flambeau  River, 
October  and  November,  1877,  several  seen  daily.'  Willard  reports 


548     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

but  one  specimen  from  Brown  County,  and  Grundtvig,  one  from 
Outagamie  County,  in  1882.  Grundtvig,  on  the  authority  of  residents, 
states  that  it  was  formerly  common  in  that  county.  Thirty  to  forty 
years  ago  the  raven  was  not  a  rare  winter  visitant  to  southern 
Wisconsin,  but  of  late  years  it  is  rarely  seen.  A  single  specimen  shot 
at  Lake  Koshkonong,  November,  1891,  by  L.  Kumlien  and  mounted 
for  Albion  Academy,  is  the  last  real  record  we  have,  although  others 
have  been  'seen.'  We  have  met  it  at  several  points  in  northern 
Wisconsin  in  late  fall  and  winter,  but  more  often  along  Lake  Michi- 
gan and  Lake  Superior  than  elsewhere.  It  is  really  common  at 
several  points  along  Lake  Superior,  where  it  seems  to  replace  the 
Crow  entirely.  It  is  commonly  found  around  the  lake  fishing  sta- 
tions." Mr.  J.  B.  Mann  of  Woodruff,  Vilas  County,  Wisconsin,  who 
is  well  acquainted  with  the  Raven,  informs  me  that  a  few  are  seen 
every  winter  in  that  vicinity. 

The  nest  is  large  and  bulky,  composed  of  sticks  and  weeds,  usually 
built  on  trees  or  rocky  cliffs.  The  eggs  are  from  3  to  7,  greenish  or 
pale  olive,  thickly  marked  with  brownish  and  olive.  They  measure 
about  2.03  x  1.37  inches. 

221.     Corvus  brachyrhynchos  BREHM. 
AMERICAN  CROW. 

Corvus  americanus  Aud.,  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  200. 

Distr.:  North  America,  from  British  America  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico. 

Adult:  General  plumage,  shiny  black,  the  head,  rather  dull  black; 
the  female  is  similar  to  the  male,  but  smaller. 

Length,  17  to  19;  wing,  12  to  13.50;  tail,  6.50  to  8;  bill,  1.70  to  2. 

This  well  known  species  is  an  abundant  resident  in  Illinois  and 
Wisconsin.  In  spite  of  his  reputation  as  an  undesirable  citizen  and 
although  every  man's  hand  is  against  him,  the  Crow  seems  eminently 
able  to  take  care  of  himself,  and  his  numbers  do  not  appear  to 
materially  lessen. 

They  seem  to  entertain  an  intense  dislike  to  certain  animals,  espe- 
cially an  owl.  Often  the  peaceful  quiet  of  the  woods  is  suddenly 
broken  by  the  harsh  excited  "cawing"  of  a  flock  of  crows,  who  have 
discovered  a  bird  of  that  species  quietly  enjoying  his  diurnal  siesta, 
and  the  din  rarely  ceases  until  the  hated  bird  has  been  driven  from 
his  concealment  and  forced  to  seek  other  quarters. 

It  breeds  in  April  and  early  in  May.  The  nest  is  a  bulky  structure, 
composed  of  sticks  and  grass,  placed  in  a  tree,  usually  at  some  dis- 
tance from  the  ground.  The  eggs  are  4  to  6,  usually  bluish  green  or 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  549 


American  Crow. 


grayish  green,  thickly  marked  with  different  shades  of  dull  brown, 
and  measure  about  1.64  x  1.20  inches.  The  Field  Museum  collection 
contains  a  number  of  sets  of  eggs  taken  in  northern  Illinois  between 
April  17  and  May  19. 


Genus   NUCIFRAGA  Brisson. 

Subgenus   PICICORVUS  Bonap. 
222.     Nucifraga  columbiana  (WiLS.). 

CLARKE'S  NUTCRACKER. 

Distr.:  "Higher  coniferous  forests  of  western  North  America, 
from  the  eastern  slope  of  the  Rocky  Mountains  to  the  Pacific,  and 
from  Putnam  River,  Alaska,  south  to  Arizona  and  northern  Lower 
California.  Accidental  in  Kansas,  Missouri  and  Arkansas,"  (A.  O.  U.) 
Wisconsin. 

Adult:  General  plumage,  pale  ashy  gray;  dull  white  on  forehead, 
chin -and  about  the  eyes;  primaries  and  middle  tail  feathers,  black, 
more  or  less  tinged  with  blue  black;  tips  of  secondaries  and  outer 
tail  feathers,  white;  bill,  black. 

Length,  about  12.50;   wing,  7.50;   tail,  5.20;   bill,  1.40. 


550     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

This  western  species  is  included  in  our  list  upon  the  authority  of 
Messrs.  Kumlien  and  Hollister,  who  state:  "A  specimen  of  Clarke's 
crow  was  shot  by  Mr.  Hawley,  in  the  western  outskirts  of  Mil- 
waukee (Wisconsin)  in  the  late  fall  of  1875.  The  bird  was  too  badly 
shot  to  make  a  good  skin  and  it  came  into  the  possession  of  Dr.  G. 
W.  Peckham,  who  made  a  skeleton  of  it  himself.  The  specimen, 
with  the  exact  date,  etc.,  was  later  destroyed  by  the  disastrous  high 
school  fare  in  that  city."  It  has  not  been  observed  in  Illinois. 


Family  ICTERID^.     Blackbirds,  Orioles,  etc. 

The  Icteridas  are  an  American  family,  comprising  about  150  species, 
varying  much  in  appearance  and  habits.  The  Blackbirds,  Meadow- 
larks,  etc.,  are  more  or  less  gregarious,  while  the  Orioles  are  rather 
solitary.  Some  species  (the  Orioles)  build  a  pensile  nest  attached  to 
branches;  others,  like  the  Marsh  Blackbirds  prefer  swamps,  while 
the  Meadowlark  makes  its  nest  on  the  ground  in  open  fields  and  plains. 

All  are  vocalists  of  more  or  less  excellence.  Their  food  consists 
of  seeds  and  insects,  although  at  times  they  eat  fruit.  One  species, 
the  Bobolink,  becomes  very  fat  while  in  the  south,  where  it  is  known 
as  Rice  Bird  and  Reed  Bird,  and  is  there  considered  a  great  delicacy. 


Red-winged  Blackbird.  Crackle.  Oriole.  Meadowlark. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  551 

Genus   DOLICHONYX  Swainson. 

223.     Dolichonyx  oryzivorus  (LiNN.). 

BOBOLINK. 

Distr. :  Ranges  in  North  America  from  the  Atlantic  coast  west  to 
Utah  and  Montana,  north  to  Ontario,  south  to  Florida  and  the  Gulf 
coast;  winters  in  South  America. 

Adult  male  in  spring:  Head,  throat  and  under  parts,  black;  the 
feathers  of  under  parts,  either  edged  with  pale  buff  or  entirely  black, 


according  to  season ;  a  patch  of  pale  tawny  or  tawny  buff  on  back  of 
neck;  upper  back,  black,  with  tawny  streaks  down  into  the  middle; 
most  of  scapulars,  lower  back  and  rump,  whitish;  primaries  and  tail 
feathers,  black,  the  latter  narrowly  tipped  with  gray  and  the  middle 
feathers  sharply  pointed. 

Adult  female  in  spring:  Upper  parts,  olive  buff,  streaked  with 
black;  a  streak  of  olive  buff  on  middle  of  crown;  under  parts,,  yellow- 
ish buff;  the  throat,  pale;  sides  of  body,  streaked  with  black.  Some- 
what smaller  than  the  male. 

Adult  male  in  fall:  Plumage  similar  to  the  spring  female,  but  rather 
more  buffy. 

Male:  Length,  7  to  7.40;  wing,  3.60  to  3.80;  tail,  2.75  to  3; 
bill-,  .50'. 

Female:  Length,  6.60  to  7.10;  wing,  3.30  to  3.60;  tail,  2.80; 
bill,  .45- 

The  Bobolink  is  an  abundant  migrant  in  southern  Illinois,  and 


552     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

a  common  summer  resident  in  northern  Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  breed- 
ing in  open  meadows.  It  arrives  from  the  south  about  the  first  of 
May  and  nidification  commences  the  latter  part  of  May  or  early  in 
June.  The  song  of  the  Bobolink  is  a  delightful  medley  impossible  to 
describe  and  is  often  uttered  while  the  bird  is  poised  high  in  the  air 
or  slowly  descending  to  the  ground. 

The  nest  is  of  grass,  built  on  the  ground  or  in  a  tussock  of  grass 
in  fields  and  meadows.  The  eggs  are  4  to  7,  dull  white  or  buffy 
white,  thickly  blotched  and  spotted  with  dark  brown  and  a  few  lines 
and  spots  of  blackish,  and  measure  about  .82  x  .62  inches. 

The  Field  Museum  collection  contains  a  number  of  sets  of  eggs  of 
this  species  taken  in  the  vicinity  of  Joliet  and  Chicago,  111.,  between 
May  28  and  June  8. 


Genus  MOLOTHRUS  Swainson. 
224.     Molothrus  ater  (Bono.). 

COWBIRD. 

Distr. :  Whole  of  the  United  States,  and  north  to  southern  British 
America;  south  to  Mexico  in  winter. 

Adult  male:  Head,  neck,  and  breast,  seal  brown;  rest  of  plumage, 
bluish  black,  with  purplish  and  greenish,  reflections;  bill  and  feet, 
black. 

Adult  female:  General  plumage,  brownish  gray,  darker  above  than 
below;  throat,  pale  ashy  gray,  decidedly  lighter  than  rest  of  under 
parts;  wings  and  tail,  dark  brown. 

Length,  7.85;   wing,  4.28;   tail,  3;   bill,  .62. 


Cowbird  (male). 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  553 

The  Cowbird  is  a  common  summer  resident  throughout  Illinois 
and  Wisconsin.  The  female  builds  no  nest  of  her  own,  but  deposits 
her  eggs  in  the  nests  of  other  birds,  usually  selecting  that  of  some  bird 
smaller  than  herself. 

The  Yellow  Warbler,  which  is  included  in  the  list  of  desirable 
species  by  the  Cowbird  mother  to  relieve  her  of  domestic  cares,  often 
gets  the  better -of  her  undesirable  visitor  by  building  a  second  story 
to  her  nest,  thereby  covering  the  despised  egg.  Instances  are  known 
where  the  rightful  owner,  to  avoid  being  forced  to  start  an  avian  elee- 
mosynary institution,  was  compelled  to  build  a  third  and  even  a  fourth 
story  to  her  nest  before  she  was  left  in  peace  to  attend  to  her  own 
family  duties.  Usually  one,  sometimes  two,  and  rarely  three  or  four 
eggs  are  left  to  be  incubated  and  the  young  reared  by  the  foster 
mother.  A  nest  of  the  Scarlet  Tanager,  taken  by  Dr.  N.  Dearborn 
at  Fox  Lake,  111.,  on  June  14,  1903,  contained  the  remarkable  number 
of  six,  well  incubated  Cowbird' s  eggs  and  none  of  the  rightful  owner. 
When  found,  the  female  Tanager  was  on  the  nest.  The  eggs  are  dull 
white,  or  pale  buff,  irregularly  and  thickly  marked  with  brown,  and 
measure  about  .87  x  .66  inches. 


Section  of  four-story  nest  of  Yellow  Warbler  in  which  Cowbird 's  eggs  have  been  deposited. 


554     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

The  Field  Museum  collection  contain  nests  and  eggs  of  the  follow- 
ing species  in  which  one  or  more  eggs  of  the  Cowbird  have  been 
deposited : 

Scarlet  Tanager  (2  nests),  Song  Sparrow  (5  nests),  Yellow  War- 
bler (3  nests),  Bobolink,  Bell's  Vireo,  Red-eyed  Vireo,  and  Maryland 
Yellow-throat.  The  late  Captain  Charles  Bendire  in  his  Life  Histories 
of  North  American  Birds  gives  a  list  of  91  different  species  in  whose 
nests  Cowbird's  eggs  have  been  found,  including  among  them  — 
Mourning  Dove,  Yellow-headed  Blackbird,  Kingbird,  and,  strange  to 
say,  Red-headed  Woodpecker. 


Genus  XANTHOCEPHALUS  Bonap. 

225.     Xanthocephalus  xanthocephalus  (BONAP.). 

YELLOW-HEADED  BLACKBIRD. 

Distr. :  Western  North  America,  from  Indiana,  Illinois,  and  Wis- 
consin west  to  the  Pacific  coast,  north  to  British  Columbia  and  south 
to  Mexico;  accidental  on  the  Atlantic  coast. 

Adult  male:  Whole  head,  neck,  and  breast,  orange  yellow;  chin, 
and  around  the  eye,  black;  primary  and  greater  secondary  coverts, 
white,  forming  a  white  wing  patch;  rest  of  plumage,  black. 


Yellow-headed  Blackbird  (male). 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  555 

Adult  female:  Smaller  than  the  male;  general  plumage,  dark 
brown;  a  line  over  the  eye;  cheek  patch  and  throat,  including  upper 
breast,  washed  with  dull  yellow;  wing  and  tail,  dark  brown;  lower 
breast  usually  with  more  or  less  dull  white  streaks;  no  white  on  the 
wing. 

Male:  Length,  about  10;  wing,  5.60;  tail,  4.50;  bill,  .78. 

Female:   Length,  about  8;   wing,  4.90;   tail,  4;   bill,  .66. 

The  Yellow-headed  Blackbird  is  a  summer  resident  in  northern 
Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  breeding  in  open  swampy  places.  It  seems  to 
be  somewhat  local  in  its  distribution,  being  common  in  some  locali- 
ties and  rare  or  absent  in  other  and  intermediate  points,  where  the 
conditions  are  apparently  the  same.  This  species  was  once  abundant 
in  the  vicinity  of  Chicago  about  Calumet  Lake  and  is  still  not  un- 
common in  that  locality.  Numerous  colonies  were  found  breeding 
near  Fox  Lake  in  1907  and  1908. 

Kumlien  and  Hollister  state  that  it  breeds  abundantly  in  Wiscon- 
sin in  some  sections  of  the  State,  while  in  others  it  seems  to  be 
totally  absent. 

The  nest  is  composed  of  grass  and  weeds  attached  to  reeds  or  in 
low  bushes  in  swamps  or  marshes.  The  eggs  are  from  3  to  6,  grayish 
or  grayish  white,  speckled  with  pale  cinnamon  brown  and  occasion- 
ally with  a  few  fine  irregular  lines  of  black,  and  measure  about  i.oo 
x  .71  inches. 

Genus  AGELAIUS  Vieill. 

226.     Agelaius  phceniceus  (LINN.). 

RED-WINGED  BLACKBIRD. 

Distr. :  Eastern  United  States  and  southern  British  provinces, 
except  the  Gulf  coast  and  Florida;  west  to  the  great  plains. 

Adult  male:  General  plumage,  glossy  black;  lesser  wing  coverts, 
scarlet  red,  bordered  with  buffy  white,  forming  a  brilliant  red  "  shoul- 
der "  patch;  bill  and  legs,  black. 

Adult  female:  Upper  plumage,  rusty  brown  and  black;  the  ex- 
posed portion  of  the  feathers  of  the  back  being  black  edged  with  rusty; 
a  buffy  stripe  over  the  eye;  under  parts,  dull  white  or  buffy  white, 
streaked  with  black;  wing,  dark  brown,  edged  with  buff;  tail,  dark 
brown. 

Male:  Length,  about  8.25;  wing,  4.50  to  4.80;  tail,  3.60;  bill, 
.80  to  .92. 

Female:  Length,  about  8;  wing,  3.84  to  4.05;  tail,  3.50;  bill, 
.68  to  .80. 


556     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Red-winged  Blackbird  (male). 

The  Red-winged  Blackbird 
is  an  abundant  summer  resi- 
dent in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin, 
frequenting  swampy  places 
and  breeding  throughout  both 
states.  It  arrives  from  the 
south  in  March  and  leaves  in 
October.  The  note  is  a  loud 
chuck,  while  its  song  is  a  medley 
of  metallic  vocal  sounds  beyond 
description. 

The  nest  is  of  dry  grass,  built  in  reeds  or  on  branches  of  bushes 
and  low  trees  bordering  marshes  or  ponds.  The  eggs  are  from  3  to 
5  in  number,  pale  blue  or  grayish  marked  and  scrawled  with  black, 
dark  brown,  and  purplish  gray.  They  measure  about  .98  x  .70 
inches. 

The  Field  Museum  collection  contains  a  number  of  sets  of  eggs  of 
this  species  taken  near  Joliet,  Illinois,  between  May  21  and  June  14. 

226a.     Agelaius  phceniceus  arctolegus    OBERHOLSER. 
ARCTIC  RED-WINGED  BLACKBIRD. 

Distr.:  "  Montana,  North  Dakota,  Minnesota,  and  northern  Michi- 
gan; north  to  Kewatin,  Athabaska,  and  Mackenzie;  in  migration  south 
to  Colorado,  Texas,  Illinois,  and  probably  Ohio."  (Oberholser, 
Auk,  1907,  p.  332.) 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  557 

Mr.  Oberholser  has  lately  described  this  geographical  race  of  the 
Red-winged  Blackbird,  which  is  apparently  indistinguishable  from 
the  eastern  form,  except  by  size.  According  to  Mr.  Oberholser, 
A.  p.  fortis  Ridgway  occupies  the  plains  from  northwestern  Texas 
to  Colorado,  Nebraska,  and  Wyoming,  and  the  large  form  which  has 
been  recorded  from  Illinois  is  arctolegus.  In  a  series  of  specimens 
representing  the  two  forms  the  measurements  are  as  follows: 

Agelaius  phceniceus,  cT,  wing,  4.50  to  4.80;   culmen,  .81  to  .92. 

Agelaius  phceniceus,  9  ,  wing,  3.84  to  4.05;   culmen,  .68  to  .80. 

Agelaius  p.  arctolegus,  cT,  wing,  4.78  to  5.12;    culmen,  .90  to  1.02. 

Agelaius  p.  arctolegus,  $  ,  wing,  3.82  to  4.21;    culmen,  .67  to  .81. 

Such  geographical  races  are  only  of  value  to  the  specialist;  but 
for  that  reason  great  care  should  be  taken  in  their  identification. 
The  student  should  bear  in  mind  that  while  the  northern  form  arc- 
tolegus averages  larger  than  phceniceus,  individual  variation  is  consider- 
able and  it  does  not  necessarily  follow  that  a  large  New  England  spec- 
imen should  be  recognized  as  arctolegus  merely  because  its  measure- 
ments agree  with  one  of  medium  size  taken  in  Alberta.  It  is  far  bet- 
ter to  err  on  the  side  of  conservatism  than  to  burden  Ornithological 
literature  with  questionable  records. 

Mr.  Oberholser  gives  arctolegus  as  having  been  taken  in  Illinois 
near  Jacksonville  and  Bloomington,  and  the  Museum  possesses  a  male 
specimen  (No.  30358)  taken  near  Chicago,  Oct.  15,  1903,  which  might 
be  referred  to  this  subspecies.  The  measurements  are  as  follows: 

Wing,  5.08;     culmen,  .96;  depth  of  bill  at  base,  .48. 

Genus  STURNELLA  Vieill. 
227.     Sturnella  magna  (LiNN.). 
MEADOWLARK. 

Distr.:  "Eastern  United  States  and  southern  Canada  to  the 
Plains.  Breeds  from  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  northward."  (A.  O.  U.) 

Special  characters :  Upper  plumage,  black,  bordered  and  ^tipped 
with  buff  and  rufous  brown;  crown  with  buff  line  through  the  center; 
breast  and  upper  portion  of  belly,  bright  yellow;  yellow  of  throat 
not  extending  over  malar  region;  greater  portion  of  under  parts, 
gamboge  yellow;  throat  and  breast  separated  by  a  crescent  shaped 
patch  of  black;  flanks  and  under  tail  coverts,  tinged  with  buff; 
middle  tail  feathers  and  tertials  with  imperfect  brown  bars,  which  run 
together  along  the  shaft,  not  clearly  separated;  distinct  bars  extend- 
ing across  the  feather  as  in  the  Western  Meadowlark. 

Male:  Wing,  4.50  to  5.10  inches;  bill,  1.22  to  1.42  inches. 


558     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Female:   Wing,  4.14  to  4.50  inches;   bill,  1.05  to  1.26  inches. 

The  Meadowlark  is  a  common  summer  resident  throughout  Illi- 
nois and  Wisconsin,  frequenting  the  open  fields  and  prairies.  A  few 
remain  during  the  winter,  but  the  majority  arrive  in  March  and  leave 
for  the  south  again  late  in  the  fall.  Its  song  is  clear  and  rather 
plaintive,  and  is  subject  to  considerable  variation. 

It  breeds  in  May.  The  nest  is  built  on  the  ground  and  is  composed 
of  dry  grass.  The  eggs  are  white,  sparsely  marked  and  speckled 
with  brown  and  lilac  gray.  They  are  from  4  to  6  in  number,  and 
measure  about  1.12  x  .80  inches. 


227a.     Sturnella  magna  argutula  (BANGS.). 
SOUTHERN  MEADOWLARK. 

Distr. :  Southeastern  United  States,  from  Florida  to  Louisiana 
and  north  through  the  lower  Mississippi  Valley  to  southern  Illinois 
and  western  Indiana. 

Special  characters:  Similar  to  S.  magna,  but  smaller  and  some- 
what darker,  the  back  generally  showing  more  black;  the  imperfect 
barring  of  middle  tail  feathers  and  tertials  as  in  magna. 

Male:   Wing,  4.25  to  4.65;    bill,  1.22  to  1.40. 

Female:  Wing,  3.75  to  4.05;  bill,  i.io  to  1.20. 

Specimens  of  this  southern  race  contained  in  the  Field  Museum 
collection  were  taken  at  Grand  Chain,  Pulaski  County,  southern  Illi- 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  559 

nois,  in  April,  1897.     Others  from  the  same  locality  are  apparently 
intermediate  in  size  and  coloration  between  this  and  S.  magna. 

The  measurements  of  four  selected  specimens  are  as  follows : 

No.  5737,  male,  April  16,  1897;    wing,  4.44;    bill,  1.25. 

No.  5735,  male,  April  14,  1897;    wing,  4.54;    bill,  1.27. 

No.  5733,  male,  April  16,  1897;   wing,  4.63;    bill,  1.24. 

No.  5734,  male,  April  17,  1897;    wing,  4.65;   bill,  1.25. 

228.     Sturnella  neglecta  AUD. 
WESTERN  MEADOWLARK. 

Distr.:  -"Western  United  States,  southwestern  British  Provinces 
and  northwestern  Mexico;  east  to  prairie  districts  of  Mississippi  Valley 
in  Minnesota,  Iowa,  Missouri,  Indian  Territory,  and  Texas;  occa- 
sionally to  Illinois,  Wisconsin,  and  southern  Michigan."  (Ridgway.) 

Special  characters:  General  plumage,  grayer  and  paler  than  in 
5.  magna;  yellow  of  the  under  parts,  paler,  the  yellow  of  throat  usu- 
ally extending  laterally  more  or  less  upon  the  malar  region;  middle 
tail  feathers  and  tertails  with  distinct  and  separate  bars  extending 
across  the  feather  and  not  broken  at  the  shaft.  General  upper  plu- 
mage, paler  and  grayer;  the  rufous  and  black  markings  of  5.  magna 
replaced  by  gray  and  dark  brown;  flanks  and  under  tail  coverts, 
whitish. 

Male:   Wing,  4.60  to  5.09;    bill,  1.20  to  1.44. 

Female:  Wing,  4.12  to  4.55;   bill,  1.08  to  1.26. 

The  Western  Meadowlark  is  apparently  of  rather  rare  occurrence 
in  Illinois,  but  more  common  in  Wisconsin.  Nelson  records  a  speci- 
men taken  near  Chicago  the  last  of  May,  1876.  Ridgway  states  that 
he  has  heard  its  unmistakable  song  on  the  prairies  of  Richland  Co., 
(111.),  but  was  unable  to  obtain  a  specimen  (Orn.  of  111.,  Vol.  I,  1889, 
p.  317).  In  Wisconsin  Kumlien  and  Hollister  cite  numerous  records 
and  state :  "In  many  parts  of  the  state  the  western  meadowlark  breeds 
more  or  less  commonly."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  88.) 

The  song  of  the  Western  Meadowlark  is  quite  different  and  readily 
distinguishable  from  that  of  the  eastern  bird. 


560     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Genus  ICTERUS  Brisson. 

229.     Icterus  spurius  (LINN). 

ORCHARD  ORIQLE. 

Distr. :  Whole  of  eastern  United  States,  west  to  the  plains  and 
southwest  through  Texas,  Mexico,  and  Central  America  to  Panama. 

Adult  male:  Whole  head,  throat,  upper  breast,  and  most  of  back, 
black;  rest  of  under  parts,  and  rump  and  upper  tail  coverts,  chestnut; 
wings  and  tail,  dark  brown,  more  or  less  tipped  with  brownish  white. 


Male.  Orchard  Oriole.  Female. 

Adult  female:  Upper  plumage,  dull  olive  yellow,  faintly  tinged 
with  grayish  olive  on  the  back;  under  parts,  yellow;  wing  coverts, 
edged  and  tipped  with  dull  white;  tail,  olive  yellow. 

Immature  male,  first  year:  Resembles  adult  female,  but  back  more 
grayish  brown. 

Immature  male,  second  year:  Similar  to  adult  female,  but  throat, 
black,  and  with  or  without  patches  of  chestnut  on  the  under  parts. 

Length,  about  6.75;   wing,  3.20;   tail,  2.80;   bill,  .62. 

The  Orchard  Oriole  is  a  common  summer  resident  in  Illinois  and 
southern  Wisconsin  at  least  as  far  as  Dunn  Co.,  and  according  to 
Kumlien  and  Hollister  it  occasionally  occurs  as  far  north  as  the  shores 
of  Lake  Superior.  Its  delightful  whistling  notes  are  uttered  more 
rapidly  than  those  of  the  Baltimore  Oriole  and  are  somewhat  sharper. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — -CoRY.  561 

It  breeds  in  May  and  June;  the  nest,  which  is  built  in  a  tree,  is 
composed  of  grass,  occasionally  more  or  less  pendulous,  but  usually 
supported  in  a  crotch  near  the  extremity  of  a  branch.  The  eggs  are 
3  to  5,  bluish  white  or  dull  white,  scrawled  and  marked  with  dark 
brown  and  lilac  gray,  and  measure  about  .80  x  .58  inches. 


Subgenus  YPHANTES   Vieill. 

230.     Icterus  galbula  (LiNN.). 

BALTIMORE  ORIOLE. 

Distr. :  Eastern  United  States  and  southern  Canada,  from  the 
Atlantic  coast  west  to  the  eastern  border  of  the  Rocky  Mountains, 
south  to  Central  America  and  northern  South  America;  breeds 
from  Texas,  Kansas,  Mississippi,  and  the  Carolinas  northward. 

Adult  male:  Whole  head,  neck  and  back,  black;  rump  and  under 
parts,  except  throat,  bright  orange;  middle  tail  feathers,  black, 
rest  of  tail  feathers,  orange  yellow;  wings,  black,  the  middle  and 
greater  coverts  more  or  less  edged  with  white;  bill,  lead  color. 

Adult  males  in  full  plumage  sometimes  show  a  tinge  of  red  on  the 
breast. 

Adult  female :  Upper  plumage,  dull  olive  yellow,  more  or  less 
mixed  with  dusky;  under  parts,  dull  orange;  throat,  more  or  less 
marked  with  dull  black;  tail  and  upper  tail  coverts,  dull  yellowish 
orange,  the  middle  tail  feathers,  darker. 

Immature  males  resemble  the  female,  but  have  no  black  on  the 
throat,  and  are  more  highly  colored. 

Length,  7.50;   wing,  3.60;   tail,  3;   bill,  .63. 

The  Baltimore  Oriole  is  a  common  summer  resident  in  Illinois 
and  Wisconsin,  arriving  from  the  south  in  May  (earliest'  Chicago 
record,  April  26).  Wherever  there  are  woods  and  orchards  his  loud 
clear  whistle,  consisting  of  two  or  three  notes,  may  be  heard. 

The  nest  is  usually  suspended  from  twigs  near  the  end  of  a  branch 
of  a  tree,  usually  at  a  considerable  distance  from  the  ground.  This 
pensile  basket  like  structure  is  finely  woven  of  grass,  plant  fibre, 
hair,  etc.  The  eggs  are  dull  white,  sparsely  scrawled  and  marked 
with  dark  brown  or  blackish.  They  are  from  4  to  6  in  number  and 
measure  about  .92  x  .61  inches. 


562     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


' 


Baltimore    Oriole. 


Genus  EUPHAGUS  Cassin. 

231.     Euphagus  carolinus  (MULL.). 

RUSTY  BLACKBIRD. 

Scolecophagus  carolinus  (Miill.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  209. 

Distr.:    Eastern  North  America  from  the  Atlantic  coast  to  the 

Great  Plains  and  from  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  to  Ungava  and  the  Arctic 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  563 

coast;    breeds  from  the  northern  border  of  the  United  States  north- 
ward.     (Northern  Michigan,  New  York,  Maine,  etc.) 

Adult  male  in  summer:  Entirely  lustrous  black,  with  greenish 
reflections ;  head  nearly  or  quite  the  same  color  (never  purplish  blue) ; 

wing,  less  than  5  inches  long 
(measured  from  carpus  to 
tip);  iris,  pale  yellow;  bill 
and  feet,  black. 

Adult  female  in  spring: 
General  plumage,  slate  color; 
wings  and  tail,  darker  and 
more  or  less  glossy. 

Adult  male  in  fall  and 
winter :  Plumage,  black,  but 
feathers  widely  tipped  above 

Rusty    Blackbird. 

with  ferrugmeous  or  rusty; 
feathers  of  under  parts,  tipped  with  buff  brown. 

Adult  female  in  fall:  Feathers  of  the  upper  parts,  broadly  tipped 
with  ferrugirieous  or  rusty,  often  almost  entirely  concealing  the  gray 
bases  of  the  feathers  on  the  head  and  upper  back ;  a  buffy  superciliary 
line;  feathers  of  under  parts,  tipped  with  pale  tawny  brown. 

The  females  are  smaller  than  the  males. 

Male:  Length,  9;   wing,  4.75;   tail,  3.50;   bill,  .75. 

Female:  Length,  8.50;  wing,  4.45;  tail,  3.40;  bill,  .65. 

This  species  is  an  abundant  migrant  in  spring  and  fall  in  Illinois 
and  Wisconsin.  Kumlien  and  Hollister  state  that  formerly  it  oc- 
cured  as  a  summer  resident  in  Wisconsin,  but  only  a  single  instance  of 
its  breeding  within  our  limits  is  on  record:  "A  set,  nest  and  eggs  taken 
at  Storrs'  Lake  near  Milton,  June,  1861,  is  now  in  the  Kumlien  col- 
lection." (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  89.) 

232.     Euphagus  cyanocephalus  (WAGL.). 
BREWER'S  BLACKBIRD. 

Scolecophagus  cyanocephalus  (Wagl.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895, 
p.  209. 

Distr.:  Western  United  States,  from  the  British  Provinces  to 
Central  America;  accidental  as  far  east  as  Illinois  and  Wisconsin. 
Breeds  from  southern  Texas  northward  to  Alberta,  Manitoba  and  the 
Saskatchewan  and  east  to  Minnesota  and  Nebraska. 

Adult  male  in  summer:  Bill,  stouter  than  E.  carolinus;  general 
plumage,  lustrous  greenish  black;  whole  head  and  throat,  steel  bluish 


564     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

or  purplish;  bill,  black;  iris,  pale  yellow;  wing  over  5  inches  long 
(measured  from  carpus  to  tip). 

Adult  female  in  summer :  Dark  grayish  brown,  tinged  with  greenish 
on  the  back,  wings,  and  tail;  under  parts,  grayish  brown,  becoming 
dusky  brown  on  the  belly. 

Adult  female  in  fall:  Similar,  but  feathers  more  or  less  inconspicu- 
ously edged  with  light  grayish  brown. 

The  females  are  smaller  than  the  males,  approaching  in  size  the 
female  Rusty  Blackbird,  but  the  difference  in  shape  of  the  bill  and 
the  grayish  brown  (not  rusty  brown)  edgings  to  the  feathers,  and  ab- 
sence of  pale  superciliary  stripe  will  distinguish  it  in  fall  plumage. 

Male:   Length,  9.50;   wing,  5.05  to  5.25;   tail,  4.00;   bill,  .75. 

Female:  Length,  9;  wing,  4.50  to  4.95;  tail,  3.70;  bill,  .75. 

Brewer's  Blackbird  must  be  considered  an  accidental  straggler 
within  our  limits.  Nelson  considered  it  "  a  very  rare  visitant  "  in 
Illinois.  Ridgway  records  a  female  shot  at  Mount  Carmel,  111.,  in 
December,  1866. 

In  Wisconsin  Mr.  F.  H.  King  records  a  specimen  from  Green  Lake 
County:  "A  single  mature  male  obtained  in  July,  on  the  large  marsh 
just  east  of  Princeton."  (Natural  History  of  Wisconsin,  1883,  p. 
551.)  Kumlien  and  Hollister  state:  "  The  only  known  instance  of  its 
nesting  in  the  state  was  at  Lake  Koshkonong,  June  14,  1862.  Two 
or  three  specimens  besides  these  have  been  taken  at  the  same  locality 
in  the  past  sixty  years."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  89.) 


Genus  QUISCALUS  Vieill. 
233.     Quiscalus  quiscula  aeneus  (Rioow.). 
BRONZED  GRACKLE.     CROW-BLACKBIRD. 

Distr.:  United  States,  from  the  eastern  border  of  the  Rocky 
Mountains  to  the  New  England  coast.  Apparently  absent  from  the 
southeastern  coast  states  from  New  Jersey  to  Florida;  breeds  from 
Pennsylvania,  northern  Mississippi,  and  Louisiana  northward  to  New- 
foundland, southern  Labrador,  and  the  Great  Slave  Lake  region. 

Adult  male :  Whole  head,  neck,  and  upper  breast,  iridescent  bluish 
purple;  back  and  under  parts,  bronze  green;  wings  and  tail,  blackish, 
tinged  with  purple;  bill  and  feet,  black;  iris,  pale  yellow. 

Adult  female:  General  plumage,  black,  much  duller  than  the  male 
and  showing  comparatively  little  iridescence. 

Length,  11.25  to  J3;   wmg.  5-6o;   tail,  5.10;   bill,  1.15. 

The  Bronzed  Grackle  is  a  common  summer  resident  in  Illinois 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


565 


Bronzed  Grackle. 

and  Wisconsin.     The  majority  arrive  the  first  of  April  and  leave  again 
in  October  (First  Chicago  record,  March  16). 

It  breeds  from  April  to  June.  The  nest  is  a  rather  large  structure 
of  coarse  grass,  usually  built  in  trees,  but  occasionally  in  cavities  or 
openings  in  dead  trees  and  stumps.  The  eggs  are  from  3  to  6  in  num- 
ber, pale  bluish  or  greenish,  marked  and  scrawled  with  dark  brown 
and  black,  and  measure  about  1.16  x  .82  inches. 


Family    FRINGILLIDyE     Finches,  Sparrows, 
Crossbills,    etc. 

The  Fringiliidas  comprise  the  largest  known  family  of  birds,  con- 
taining over  500  species  and  distributed  nearly  throughout  the  world 
(except  Australia).  They  are  granivorous,  being  principally  seed 
eaters,  although  they  also  feed  upon  buds,  fruits,  and  insects,  With 
few  exceptions  they  are  not  gregarious,  although  often  seen  in  flocks. 
Their  nesting  habits  vary  with  different  species. 


566     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Genus  HESPERIPHONA    Bonap. 
234.     Hesperiphona  vespertina  (Coop.). 
EVENING  GROSBEAK. 

Coccothraustesvespertinus(Coop.),A.O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  211. 
Distr.:  Interior  of  eastern  North  America,  from  New  York  and 
New  England  west  to  the  Rocky  Mountains  and  north  to  the  British 
provinces  (Saskatchewan);  south  in  winter  to  Ohio,  Kansas,  Wis- 
consin, northern  Illinois,  and  northern  Indiana.  Breeding  range 
unknown. 

Adult  male:    Bill,  very  large  and  thick,  pale  greenish  yellow  in 
color;    forehead,  yellow,  the  color  extending  back  in  a  line  over  the 

eye;  crown,  blackish;  sides  of 
head,  grayish  olive  brown;  upper 
back,  brownish  olive;  breast, 
yellowish  olive,  shading  into 
yellow  on  the  belly  and  under 
tail  coverts;  rump,  yellow; 
wings  and  tail,  black,  the  ter- 
minal half  of  the  secondaries 
and  coverts,  pure  white. 

Adult  female:    General  plu- 
Male-  mage,    grayish   brown,    darkest 

on  top  and  sides  of  head;  upper  throat,  whitish;  sides  of  body  and 
under  wing  coverts,  more  or  less  tinged  with  yellow;  wings  and  tail, 
black,  marked  with  more  or  less  white,  the  tail  feathers  being  tip- 
ped with  white  on  inner  webs. 

Length,  7.25  to  8.50;  wing,  4.10  to  4.60;  tail,  2.75;  bill,  .70. 
This  fine  species  is  a  not  uncommon  winter  visitant  in  Wisconsin 
and  occurs  occasionally  in  winter  in  northern  Illinois.  Mr.  E.  W. 
Nelson  states:  "A  winter  visitant  occurring  at  irregular  intervals.  In 
the  winter  of  1871  they  wer  equite  common  throughout  the  northern 
portion  of  the  state."  Mr.  F.  M.  Woodruff  considers  it  a  very  irreg- 
ular winter  visitant  to  northeastern  Illinois.  He  procured  a  speci- 
men at  River  Forest  on  January  13,  1887,  and  another  at  Englewood, 
March,  1888.  He  writes:  "  Mr.  B.  T.  Gault  informs  me  that  on 
December  25,  1886,  he  observed  five  in  Garfield  Park,  Chicago,  where 
they  were  feeding  upon  the  keys  of  the  box  elder.  *****  Mr. 
H.  K.  Coale  has  furnished  me  with  the  following  interesting  record: 
"  On  Febr.  n,  1887,  Mr.  E.  A.  Colby  shot  twelve  Evening  Grosbeaks 
in  Chicago,  which  he  presented  to  me  in  the  flesh;  he  also  saw  several 
flocks  during  the  winter  feeding  on  the  buds  of  trees."  (Birds  of  the 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


567 


Chicago  Area,  1907,  p.  126.)  There  are  numerous  other  Illinois  re- 
cords, flocks  have  been  seen  in  northern  Illinois  late  in  April,  and 
it  has  been  taken  in  northern  Indiana  as  late  as  May  13. 

In  the  more  central  portions  of  Illinois  it  is  rare.  Specimens 
have  been  taken  by  Mr.  Charles  K.  Worthen  at  Warsaw,  111.,  and 
Mr.  O.  P.  Hay  records  taking  six  birds  of  this  species  near  Eureka, 
Woodford  Co.,  in  the  fall  of  1872.  (Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  July, 


Pine  Grosbeak. 
(Male  and  female.) 


White-winged  Crossbill. 
(Male  and  female.) 


American  Crossbill. 

(Male.) 

Evening  Grosbeak. 
(Male  and  female.) 


568     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

1881,  p.  179.).  According  to  Mr.  L.  O.  Pindar  a  flock  was  seen  at  Hick- 
man,  Kentucky,  on  the  Mississippi  River,  between  Cairo  and  New 
Madrid.  Three  specimens  were  taken  (Widmann,  Birds  of  Missouri, 
1907,  p.  166). 

Messrs.  Kumlien  and  Hollister  include  this  species  (Birds  of 
Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  qo)  as  a  "common  winter  visitant,  usually  found 
in  good  numbers  any  time  from  December  on." 


Genus  PINICOLA   Vieill. 
235.     Pinicola  enucleator  leucura  (MULLER). 

PINE  GROSBEAK. 

Distr.:  Northeastern  North  America,  from  about  longitude  95° 
to  the  coast;  breeding  from  northern  Maine  and  New  Hampshire, 
Quebec  and  Ontario  northward  to  the  limit  of  coniferous  trees ;  ranges 
south  in  winter  to  northern  Illinois,  northern  Missouri,  and  Iowa. 

Adult  male:  Bill,  stout;  gen- 
eral plumage,  rosy  red,  the 
feathers  of  back  with  dusky  gray 
centers;  lores,  dusky;  wings, 
dark  brown,  the  secondaries  and 
coverts,  more  or  less  edged  with 
white;  some  of  the  primaries, 
narrowly  edged  with  white. 

Adult  female:  General  plum- 
age, ashy  gray;  the  head,  upper 

Pine  Grosbeak.  ^^     and    rump;      ^jj     saffron 

yellow;  breast  with  faint  tinge  of  same;  more  or  less  black  in  front 
of  eye;  wings,  as  in  the  male. 

Immature  birds  resemble  the  female. 

Length,  about  8;    wing,  4.55;    tail,  4;    bill,  .50. 

The  Pine  Grosbeak  is  an  irregular  winter  visitant  to  northern 
Illinois,  but  is  common  in  winter  in  Wisconsin,  especially  in  the 
northern  part  of  the  state.  Mr.  Frank  M.  Woodruff  records  a  speci- 
men taken  by  him  at  River  Forest,  January,  1887.  Mr.  John  F. 
Ferry  procured  several  specimens  from  a  flock  at  Lake  Forest  in  the 
winter  of  1895.  The  Field  Museum  collection  contains  two  specimens, 
a  male  and  a  female,  taken  by  Mr.  W.  Kennicott  and  Mr.  John  Dear- 
love  at  "  The  Grove,"  Cook  County,  111.,  on  Nov.  23,  1903,  and  a  male 
taken  by  Mr.  John  F.  Ferry  at  Beach,  Lake  Co.,  111.,  Nov.  17,  1906. 

Kumlien  and  Hollister  state  that  it  is  a  common  winter  bird  in 
northern  Wisconsin. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  569 

Genus  CARPODACUS  Kaup. 
236.     Carpodacus  purpureus  (GMEL.). 

PURPLE  FINCH. 

Distr. :  North  America,  from  the  Atlantic  coast  to  the  Rocky 
Mountains  and  from  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  to  British  Columbia,  northern 
Quebec,  and  Labrador.  Breeds  regularly  in  coniferous  trees  from 
northern  Wisconsin  northward. 

Adult  male:  Tail,  very  slightly  forked;  general  plumage,  more  or 
less  rose  red,  deeper  red  on  the  head,  and  mixed  with  brown  on  the 
back;  throat  and  breast,  rose  red,  shad- 
ing to  white  on  the  belly;  wings  and 
tail,  dark  brown,  with  narrow  pale  edg- 
ings. 

Adult  female:   Upper  plumage,  dark 
brown,    streaked    with    dusky     brown; 
under  parts,  white,  streaked  irregularly 
with  dark  brown;  rump,   more   or  less 
Purple  Finch.  tinged  with  dull  olive. 

The  female  of  this  species  may  be  distinguished  from  other  spar- 
rows and  finches  by  the  slightly  forked  tail  and  the  small  tufts  of 
feathers  over  the  nostril. 

Length,  5.75  to  6;  wing,  2.90  to  3.25;  tail,  2.35;  bill,  .40. 
This  handsome  species  is  a  common  migrant  in  spring  and  fall  in 
Illinois  and  a  not  uncommon  winter  resident,  especially  in  the  south- 
ern part  of  the  state.  Authentic  breeding  records  for  Illinois  are 
very  rare.  In  1876  Nelson  included  it  in  his  Birds  of  northeastern 
Illinois  as  "A  common  winter  resident,  a  few  breed."  Mr:  Frank 
M.  Woodruff  considers  it  "An  irregular  migrant  and  a  not  uncommon 
winter  resident."  Mr.  W.  W.  Cook  states:  "  It  breeds  regularly  from 
northern  Minnesota  and  Dakota  northward,  but  has  also  been  found 
breeding  in  northern  Illinois.  Mr.  Kline  has  taken  one  set  of  eggs 
at  Polo,  Illinois."  (Bird  Migration  Mississippi  Valley,  1888,  p.  179.) 
Nehrling  states  that  it  has  been  taken  at  Waukegan,  111.,  during  the 
breeding  season,  (Our  Native  Birds,  etc.,  1896,  p.  29),  and  there  is 
an  egg  in  the  Thomas  H.  Douglass  collection  at  Waukegan,  labelled 
as  having  been  collected  by  him  in  that  locality  on  May  13,  1875. 

In  "Wisconsin  Messrs.  Kumlien  and  Hollister  consider  it  a  more  or 
less  common  migrant  in  spring  and  fall  and  state  they  have  observed 
it,  in  summer,  but  give  no  definite  nesting  records  of  their  own.  Dr. 
Hoy  found  it  breeding  near  Racine  about  1850,  and  F.  L.  Grundtvig 


570     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

found  the  nests  of  three  pairs  near  Shiocton  in  1883.  It  probably 
breeds  regularly  in  the  northern  part  of  the  state,  as  Mr.  John  F. 
Ferry  found  it  not  uncommon  near  Woodruff,  Vilas  County,  during 
the  last  week  in  June,  1908. 

The  nest  is  built  in  trees,  usually  at  a  considerable  distance  from 
the  ground.  It  is  composed  of  grass,  twigs,  and  hair.  The  eggs 
are  from  4  to  6,  clear  blue,  spotted  and  marked  about  the  larger  end 
with  dark  brown,  and  measure  about  .80  x  .56  inches. 


Genus   PASSER    Brisson. 

237.     Passer  domesticus  (Lixx.). 

ENGLISH  SPARROW.     HOUSE  SPARROW. 

Adult:    Top  of  head,  gray;    nape,  sides  of  neck,  and  stripe  from 
the  eye  backward,  rich  chestnut;    cheeks  and  sides  of  throat,  white; 


English  Sparrow  (male). 

front  of  eye,  throat  and  breast,  black;  upper  back,  chestnut,  with 
black  streaks;  lower  back  and  rump,  gray;  belly,  white;  wing,  dark 
brown,  more  or  less  edged  with  pale  rufous  brown;  tail,  brown. 

Adult  female:  Upper  plumage,  dark  grayish  brown;  the  middle 
of  the  back,  dull  tawny  brown,  streaked  with  black;  under  parts, 
pale,  dull  whitish  on  belly  and  the  breast;  sides  of  body,  washed  with 
pale  grayish  brown;  middle  wing  coverts,  tipped  with  whitish;  rest 
of  wing  feathers,  more  or  less  edged  with  pale  brown. 

Length,  about  6;  wing,  3;  tail,  2.40;  bill,  .42. 

The  English  Sparrow  is  an  Old  World  species,  which  was  intro- 
duced into  this  country  some  years  ago  and  has  now  unfortunately 
become  very  numerous  throughout  the  greater  portion  of  the  United 
States. 

It  destroys  but  few  insects  and  is  most  pugnacious,  driving  away 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  571 

our  native  insectivorous  birds,  and  has  proved  itself  a  most  undesir- 
able addition  to  our  avifauna. 

The  nest  is  a  mass  of  loose  grass,  leaves,  or  almost  any  soft  sub- 
stance easily  procured.  It  builds  anywhere,  but  usually  about  build- 
ings. The  eggs  are  variable,  but  the  majority  are  dull  white  with 
scattered  markings  of  olive  brown  (occasionally  nearly  pure  white 
and  again  thickly  blotched  with  dark  brown).  They  number  from 
4  to  7,  and  measure  about  .84  x  .62  inches.  They  are  very  prolific, 
the  breeding  season  lasting  from  February  until  September  or  Octo- 
ber and  several  broods  are  raised  in  a  year. 

The  European  Tree  Sparrow,  Passer  montanus,  is  not  uncommon 
ii  the  vicinity  of  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  where  it  was  introduced  in  1870. 
It  has  increased  in  its  numbers  and  according  to  Mr.  Otto  Widmann : 
"  It  has  left  the  thickly  settled  parts  of  St.  Louis;  but  is  found  scatter- 
ingly  throughout  the  outskirts  and  suburbs,  spreading  to  neighboring 
cities."  (Birds  of  Missouri,  1907,  p.  172.)  It  is  probable  that  it  will 
be  observed  in  Illinois  in  the  near  future. 


Genus  LOXIA   Linn. 
238.     Loxia  curvirostra  minor  (BREHM). 
AMERICAN  CROSSBILL.     RED  CROSSBILL. 

Distr.:  Northern  North  America,  in  coniferous  forests.  Breeds 
from  northern  Michigan  and  northern  Wisconsin  northward.  In  the 
Eastern  states  has  been  found  breeding  as  far  south  as  Tennessee  and 
the  Alleghanies;  ranges  in  winter  south  to  Louisiana  and  South  Caro- 
lina, and  on  the  Pacific  coast  to  Lower  California. 

Adult  male:  Mandibles,  crossed;  general  plumage,  red,  brightest 
on  head  and  rump ;  feathers  of  the  back,  more  or  less  faintly  marked 
with  dusky  olive;  wings  and  tail,  dark  brown. 

Adult  female:  Mandibles,  crossed;  upper  plumage,  greenish  olive, 
mixed  with  grayish  and  dusky,  becoming  clear  olive  yellow"' on  the 
rump;  under  parts,  gray,  more  or  less  washed  with  yellowish  olive. 

Immature  males  show  various  mixed  plumages  of  red  and  green 
during  the  change  to  the  adult  stage. 

Length,  6;  wing,  3.48;  tail,  2.50;  bill,  .60  (length  of  bill  very 
variable) . 

The  Red  Crossbill  is  a  regular,  but  by  no  means,  common  winter 
visitant  in  Illinois  and  a  common  winter  resident  in  Wisconsin.  Ac- 
cording to  Kumlien  and  Hollister  it  breeds  irregularly  in  the  northern 
part  of  the  state.  Mr.  John  F.  Ferry  obtained  young  birds  not  long 


572     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


American  Crossbill. 

out  of  the  nest  near  Woodruff,  Vilas  Co.,  Wisconsin,  during  the  last 
week  in  June,  1908. 

The  nest  is  built  in  coniferous  trees  and  is  composed  of  grass, 
rootlets,  or  small  twigs  and  moss.  The  eggs  are  3  to  4,  pale  green  or 
greenish  white,  marked  and  dotted  chiefly  at  the  larger  end  with 
brown  and  lilac  gray,  and  measure  about  .76  x  .58  inches. 

This  species  is  well  represented  in  the  collection  of  the  Field  Muse- 
um of  Natural  History  by  a  series  of  specimens  taken  in  northern 
Illinois  in  winter  and  spring,  some  of  them  as  late  as  June  i . 

Loxia  curvirostra  bendirei  Ridgway  is  no  longer  considered  sepa- 
rable from  this  species. 


239.     Loxia  leucoptera  GMEL. 
WHITE-WINGED  CROSSBILL. 

Distr.:  Northern  North  America,  breeding  from  northern  New 
England  and  northern  Michigan  (Mackinac  Island)  northward;  south 
in  winter  to  middle  United  States  (Ohio,  Illinois,  Missouri,  Kansas, 
etc.). 

Adult  male:  Mandibles,  crossed;  general  plumage,  crimson  red, 
or  deep  rosy  red;  inner  secondaries  and  greater  and  middle  wing 
coverts,  tipped  with  white,  forming  a  noticeable  white  wing  patch, 
rest  of  wing,  black;  middle  of  belly,  brownish  gray,  streaked  with 
dusky;  tail,  blackish. 

Adult  female:  Mandibles,  crossed;  upper  plumage,  grayish  olive, 
streaked  with  dusky;  rump,  tawny  yellow;  under  parts,  grayish, 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  573 

the  breast  and  sides  of  body  more  or  less  washed  with  pale  tawny, 
and  faintly  marked  with  dusky;  belly,  grayish  white;  wing  markings, 
as  in  the  male. 

Immature  males  assume  various  plumages  from  dusky  gray  with 
whitish  streaks  to  the  bright  red  of  the  adult,  including  the  mixed 
red  and  grayish  olive  stages. 

Length,  6;   wing,  3.50;   tail,  2.40;   bill,  .60. 

This  species  is  an  irregular  winter  visitant  in  Illinois  and  Wiscon- 
sin, varying  in  numbers  from  year  to  year.  It  was  common  in  north- 
eastern Illinois  during  the  late  fall  of  1906. 

Mr.  Frank  M.  Woodruff  states  that:  "  In  the  year  1904,  from  the 
ninth  to  the  twentieth  of  November,  enormous  flocks  of  these  Cross- 
bills passed  along  the  lake  shore  and  many  were  shot  with  slingshots 
by  boys."  (Birds  Chicago  Area,  1907,  p.  130.)  It  occurs  as  a  winter 
visitant  in  Wisconsin  but  as  far  as  known  there  is  no  record  of  its 
breeding  in  the  state,  although  W.  A.  Oldfield  records  it  nesting 
September  28,  1888,  at  Keweenaw  Point,  Michigan  (Orn.  and  Ool., 
1889,  p.  43). 

Genus  ACANTHIS   Bechstein. 

240.     Acanthis  hornemannii  ezilipes  (COUES). 

HOARY  REDPOLL. 

Distr. :  Arctic  America  and  northeastern  Asia,  occasionally  south 
in  winter  to  the  northern  border  of  the  United  States;  breeds  in  the 
far  north  (Ungava,  northern  Alaska,  etc.). 

Male  in  winter  plumage:  General  plumage,  pale,  whitish  or  light 
gray  prevailing;  rump,  plain  white,  without  streaks,  often  tinged  with 
rose-pink;  under  tail  coverts,  white,  occasionally  showing  a  few  indis- 
tinct streaks;  breast,  more  or  less  strongly  tinged  with  rose-pink; 
sides  showing  a  few  narrow  brownish  dusky  streaks  or  at  times  without 
streaks;  rest  of  under  parts,  white;  crown,  with  more  or  less  metallic 
red;  a  black  spot,  on  the  chin;  bill,  yellowish  with  the  tip, dark. 

Female  in  winter  plumage.  Similar  but  smaller  and  lacks  the 
rose-pink  on  the  breast. 

The  unstreaked  rump  will  distinguish  this  from  the  next  species. 

Male:  Wing,  2.95  to  3.10;  tail,  2.48  to  2.55;  culmen,  .30;  depth 
of  bill,  .20  to  .25. 

Female:  Wing,  2.85  to  3.05;  tail,  2.35  to  2.55;  culmen,  .30;  depth 
of  bill,  .20  to  .24. 

The  Hoary  Redpoll  is  a  rare  winter  visitant  to  Illinois.  Prof. 
Ridgway  writes:  "  I  have  seen  specimens  in  the  collection  of  Mr.  E. 


574     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

W.  Nelson  that  were  collected  in  the  vicinity  of  Chicago,  but  I  am 
unable  to  give  dates  of  their  capture.  The  National  Museum  like- 
wise possesses  specimens  from  Mount  Carmel,  collected  by  Dr.  H. 
Skinner."  (Orn.  of  Illinois,  1889,  p.  232.) 

According  to  Kumlien  and  Hollister,  it  is  an  irregular  winter  visi- 
tor in  Wisconsin,  usually  rare,  although  they  state  that:  "  During  Jan- 
uary, February,  and  March,  1896,  Mr.  J.  N.  Clark  found  these  birds 
tolerably  common  in  Dunn  County,"  where  he  procured  thirty  spec- 
imens during  the  three  months.  There  are  numerous  other  Wiscon- 
sin records. 

241.     Acanthis  linaria  (LINN.). 
REDPOLL. 

Distr.:  Northern  portions  of  northern  hemisphere;  breeds  in  the 
far  north  (Ungava,  Alaska,  etc.) ;  south  in  winter  to  South  Carolina, 
northern  Alabama,  Kansas,  Colorado,  etc. 

Male  in  winter  plumage: 
General  plumage,  streaked,  de- 
cidedly darker  than  exilipes  and 
the  tail,  shorter;  upper  parts, 
brownish  or  grayish  brown, 
streaked  with  dusky;  rump, 
streaked  with  dusky,  usually 

-jfrpj^rj i—g^a^j  more  or  less  tinged  with  rose  or 

5   M/1  $§»*          pink;   breast   and   upper   belly, 

rosy  or  pink;  under  parts,  whit- 
ish  or  white;  sides  and  flanks, 
broadly  streaked  with  dusky; 

under  tail  coverts,  streaked;  crown,  with  more  or  less  metallic  red; 
a  black  spot,  on  the  chin;  bill,  yellowish,  with  the  tip  dark.  The 
female  is  similar  but  lacks  the  pink  on  the  breast  and  rump ;  young 
birds  have  no  red  on  the  crown. 

Male:  Wing,  2.85  to  3.05;  tail,  2.20  to  2.50;  bill,  .32  to  .37; 
depth  of  bill,  .22  to  .26. 

Female:  Wing,  2.75  to  2.95;  tail,  2.20  to  2.44;  bill,  .30  to  .36; 
depth  of  bill,  .22  to  .25. 

The  Redpoll  is  a  common  winter  visitant  in  Illinois  and  Wiscon- 
sin from  November  until  March.  When  the  snow  is  on  the  ground 
flocks  of  these  little  birds  may  often  be  seen  flying  about  among  the 
bushes.  They  are  usually  very  tame  and  unsuspicious. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  575 

24 1  a.     Acanthis  linaria  holboellii  (BREHM). 
HOLBOLL'S  REDPOLL. 

Distr. :  Northern  parts  of  northern  hemisphere,  breeding  in  the 
Arctic  regions,  occasionally  south  in  winter  to  northern  United  States 
(New  York,  Massachusetts,  Illinois). 

Similar  to  A.  linaria,  but  averaging  larger,  and  the  bill  proportion- 
ally longer,  the  difference  being  merely  one  of  size  and  by  no  means 
constant;  identification  is  often  difficult.  It  is  apparently  inter- 
mediate between  linaria  and  rostrata. 

Male:  Wing,  2.85  to  3.05;  tail,  2.25  to  2.50;  bill,  .36  to  .42;  depth 
of  bill,  .25  to  .30. 

Female:  Wing,  2.80  to  3;  tail,  2.25  to  2.48;  bill,  .35  to  .42;  depth 
of  bill,  .25  to  .30. 

There  has  been  more  or  less  confusion  as  to  Illinois  records  of  this 
form.  Mr.  H.  K.  Coale  records  a  female  (Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club, 
Vol.  VIII,  1883,  p.  239)  shot  in  Chicago  by  Mr.  Geo.  F.  Klingman, 
Nov.  2,  1878,  which  was  identified  by  Mr.  Ridgway  as  holbosllii. 

Mr.  W.  W.  Cooke  (Bird  Migration  Mississippi  Valley,  1888,  p. 
181)  writes:  "  Mr.  Ridgway  kindly  informs  me  that  he  examined  speci- 
mens from  northern  Illinois,"  and  later  Mr.  A.  W.  Butler  (Birds  of 
Indiana,  1897,  p.  924)  mentions  a  specimen  taken  by  Mr.  Coale, 
Nov.  21,  1878,  in  Cook  Co.,  111.,  near  the  Indiana  line,  which  he 
states  was  the  first  Illinois  record  (sic)  and  adds  that  while  it  was 
reported  as  A.  I.  holbcellii  it  was  evidently  rostrata.  He  does  not, 
however,  inform  us  how  he  arrived  at  this  conclusion.  To  further 
complicate  matters  the  only  reference  for  Illinois  given  by  Mr. 
Ridgway  in  his  "Birds  of  North  and  Middle  America"  in  the  synon- 
omy  under  holboellii  is  that  of  Mr.  W.  W.  Cooke  as  cited  above,  the 
others  being  given  under  rostrata. 

Assuming  that  "the  specimens  examined  by  Mr.  Ridgway  from 
northern  Illinois,"  were  those  taken  by  Mr.  Coale  and  which  he  now 
evidently  considers  to  be  rostrata,  the  number  of  Illinois  records  for 
this  form  becomes  decidedly  reduced. 

According  to  Kumlien  and  Hollister,  Holboll's  Redpoll  is  a  rare 
winter  straggler  in  Wisconsin.  They  write:  ""One  specimen  was 
shot  at_Lake  Koshkonong,  January  22,  1867  (L.  K.),  and  identified 
by  Prof.  Baird  in  1881.  In  a  series  of  redpolls  taken  during  January, 
February,  and  March,  1896,  by  Mr.  J.  N.  Clarke  at  Meridian,  are  four 
specimens  easily  referable  to  this  race.  Mr.  Clarke  has  kindly  sent 


576     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

one  of  these  to  us  for  examination  which  has  been  marked  as  holbcellii 
by  Ridgway  and  Fisher,  who  identified  a  number  of  redpolls  for  him 
at  the  time."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  93.) 


24 1  b.     Acanthis  linaria  rostrata  (COUES). 
GREATER  REDPOLL. 

Distr. :  Greenland  (wrhere  it  breeds)  and  northeastern  North 
America;  accidental  or  casual  in  winter  in  northeastern  United  States 
(Illinois,  Michigan,  New  England,  etc.). 

Winter  plumage:  Larger  than  holbcellii  or  linaria;  wing,  not  less 
than  3.06;  the  marking  of  the  plumage,  darker  and  stripes  on  the 
under  parts,  larger;  the  bill,  heavier;  rump  and  under  tail  coverts 
streaked  distinctly  with  dusky;  sides  and  flanks  streaked;  breast, 
rose-pink;  rest  of  under  parts,  white  or  whitish;  a  black  spot  on  the 
chin;  crown  with  more  or  less  metallic  red;  bill,  yellowish,  with  dark 
tip.  Female  similar,  but  lacking  the  pink  tinge  on  the  breast. 

Male:  Wing,  3,06  to  3.30;  tail,  2.35  to  2.70;  bill,  .32  to  .42; 
depth  of  bill,  .25  to  .32. 

Female:  Wing,  3  to  3.25;  tail,  2.40  to  2.60;  bill,  .32  to  .42; 
depth  of  bill,  .25  to  .30. 

A  rare  winter  straggler  to  Illinois,  although  apparently  more  com- 
mon in  Wisconsin.  Mr.  W.  W.  Cooke  writes:  "  The  only  instance  of 
its  capture  within  the  Mississippi  Valley  is  the  record  of  a  specimen 
taken  Nov.  2,  1878,  at  Chicago,  by  Mr.  H.  K.  Coale."  (Bird  Migration 
Mississippi  Valley,  1888,  p-.  182.)  Mr.  Ridgway  writes:  "Mr.  H.  K. 
Coale  has  taken  this  bird  near  Chicago  and  has  kindly  sent  me  for 
examination  the  specimens  which  he  secured."  (Orn.  of  111.,  1889, 
p.  235.)  In  the  catalogue  of  Birds  of  the  British  Museum  (Vol.  XII, 
1888,  p.  251),  Dr.  Sharpe  includes  in  his  list  of  specimens  of  this  spe- 
cies the  following:  cT  ad.,  Chicago,  111.,  Nov.  2,  1873  O'c)  (H-  K-  Coale) 
(wing  3.3).  Mr.  F.  M.  Woodruff  states:  "  There  is  a  specimen  in  the 
collection  of  the  Chicago  Academy  of  Sciences  taken  in  the  seventies 
by  Mr.  C.  N.  Holden,  which  is  in  the  plumage  of  the  young  male." 
(Birds  Chicago  Area,  1907,  p.  131.) 

Regarding  the  occurrence  of  the  Greater  Redpoll  in  Wisconsin, 
Messrs.  Kumlien  and  Hollister  state:  "Winter  visitant.  Mr.  Clark 
collected  over  thirty  of  these  birds  in  Dunn  Co.,  during  the  winter  of 
1895-6.  *****  A  series  sent  us  by  Mr.  Clark  at  the  time,  in 
the  flesh,  all  proved  to  be  of  this  variety,  and  specimens  of  this  and 
the  other  races  were  identified  for  him  later  by  Prof.  Robert  Ridgway. 
Specimens  have  also  been  received  from  Stevens  Point  and  Iron 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  577 

Co.,  and  others  have  been  taken  quite  regularly  at  Lake  Kosh- 
konong,  especially  during  winters  of  heavy  snow  fall.  Here  they 
have  never  been  found  except  as  associated  with  linaria."  (Birds 
of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  93.) 

Genus  ASTRAGALINUS  Cabanis. 

242.     Astragalinus  tristis  (LiNN.). 
AMERICAN  GOLDFINCH*.     YELLOWBIRD. 
Spinns  tristis  (Linn.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  218. 
Distr.:    United  States,  east  of  Rocky  Mountains  to  the  Atlantic 
coast,  north  to  Manitoba  and  northern  Canada,  south  to  the  Gulf 
coast,  including  Florida  and  Texas  (replaced  from  Rocky  Mountains 
westward    by    several    subspecies).       Breeds    from    middle    United 
States,  Tennessee,  Missouri,  Kansas,  etc.,  northward. 

Adult  male  in  spring:  General  plumage,  bright  yellow;  crown, 
black;  wings,  black,  the  secondaries  and  coverts,  tipped  with  white; 

tail,  black,  with  more  or  less  white 
on  inner  webs;  upper  tail  coverts, 
white.  In  fall  the  black  cap  is 
absent,  and  the  general  plumage  is 
buff  y  brown  above  and  pale  brown- 
ish white  on  under  parts,  with 
more  or  less  yellowish;  head, 
tinged  with  yellow. 

Adult  female:  Upper  parts, 
pale  brownish  olive;  under  parts, 
dull  white,  tinged  with  buff  on 
sides  and  breast,  and  showing 
more  or  less  yellow,  especially  on 

American  Goldfinch.  f  . 

the  throat;  wings  and  tail,  dusky; 
the  feathers,  with  whitish  edgings. 

Very  young  birds  are  strongly  tinged  with  buffy  and  the  wing 
feathers  edged  with  tawny  buff. 

Length,  4.90  to  5.15;  wing,  2.70  to  2.85;  tail,  2;  bill,  .42. 

The  American  Goldfinch  is  an  abundant  summer  resident  in  Illi- 
nois and  Wisconsin  and  a  few  occasionally  remain  during  the  winter. 
The  majority  arrive  from  the  south  about  May  ist,  although  a  few 
return- much  earlier.  Adult  spring  males  of  this  species  may  be  readily 
.recognized  by  the  bright  yellow  plumage  and  black  wings  and  tail. 

The  song  of  the  male  is  a  musical  chee-wee  or  chee-e-wee,  and  at 
times  a  faint  whistle  and  twitter.  The  flight  is  a  series  of  undu- 


578     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

lations,  usually  accompanied  on  the  downward  swing  by  the  familiar 
chee-e-wee. 

Nidification  begins  in  May.  The  nest  is  built  in  large  bushes  or 
low  trees,  and  is  woven  of  grass  and  plant  fibre,  lined  with  thistle 
down.  The  eggs  are  from  3  to  6,  pale  blue  or  bluish  white  in  color, 
and  measure  about  .66  x  .47  inches. 


Genus  SPINUS   Koch. 

243.     Spinus  pinus  (WiLs.). 
PINE  SISKIN. 

Distr.:  "  North  America  generally,  breeding  in  the  British  Prov- 
inces, Rocky  Mountains,  Sierra  Nevada,  and  high  mountains  of 
Arizona,  south  to  Lower  California  and  the  mountains  of  Mexico  to 
Orizaba.  Also  breeds  sparingly  in  northeastern  United  States." 
(A.  O.  U.) 

Adult:  Upper  plumage,  streaked  with  pale  brown  and  dark  brown; 
under  parts,  grayish  white,  streaked  with  dusky;  rump,  yellow, 


streaked  with  dusky;  at  times  the  whole  plumage  faintly  tinged  with 
yellow  and  again  hardly  noticeable;  basal  portion  of  quills  and  tail, 
yellow. 

Sexes,  similar. 

Length,  4.75;   wing,  2.77;   tail,  2;   bill,  .35. 

The  yellow  markings  at  the  base  of  the  wing  and  tail  feathers 
will  distinguish  this  species. 

This  species  is  common  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin  during  the  mi- 
grations and  a  more  or  less  common  winter  resident,  especially  in 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


579 


Illinois.  It  was  not  uncommon  about  Chicago  during  the  latter  part 
of  January  of  the  present  year,  and  on  February  14,  the  writer  saw  a 
large  flock  in  Jackson  Park  and  two  others  containing  from  15  to  20 
individuals  at  Burnside.  The  notes  are  somewhat  similar  to  those 
of  the  Goldfinch  but  are  not  so  loud.  It  is  supposed  to  breed  in 
Wisconsin,  but  I  find  no  authentic  record  of  its  having  done  so.  Dr. 
Hoy  "supposed"  it  to  breed  in  the  pine  regions,  but  did  not  appar- 
ently find  a  nest.  Kumlien  and  Hollister  have  never  taken  it  in 
Wisconsin  in  summer.  Mr.  Norman  A.  Wood  found  it  common  in 
Ontonagon  Co.,  Michigan,  from  July  15  to  August  14,  1904.  (The 
Auk,  Vol.  XXII,  1905,  p.  177.) 


Genus  PLECTROPHENAX  Stejneger. 

244.     Plectrophenax  nivalis  (LiNN.). 

SNOWFLAKE.      SNOW  BUNTING. 

Distr.:  Northern  parts  of  northern  hemisphere  (Arctic  Europe, 
Asia,  and  North  America),  south  in  winter  in  United  States  as  far  as 
Illinois,  Kansas,  etc. ;  breeds  in  the  far  north  (Ungava,  Greenland, 
etc.). 

Adult  in  winter:  Crown  and  cheeks,  dull  chestnut  brown;  back, 
mixed  black,  buff,  and  chestnut;  under  parts,  white;  breast,  with 

more  or  less  of  a  band 
of  chestnut  brown;  sides, 
washed  with  pale  brown; 
basal  portion  of  primaries 
and  most  of  secondaries, 
white ;  the  terminal  portion 
of  most  of  the  primaries, 
black,  tipped  with  white; 
the  inner  secondaries, 
mostly  black  (when  flying, 
greater  portion  of  wing 
Snow  Bunting.  appears  white) ;  three  outer 

tail  feathers,  mostly -white,  rest  of  tail  feathers,  blackish,  tipped  with 
ashy  white  or  buffy  white;  bill,  yellowish. 

The  summer  plumage  is  black  and  white,  but  the  species  does  not 
occur  within  our  limits  at  that  season. 

Length,  6.50;   wing,  4.15;  tail,  2.75;  bill,  .38. 

A  common  winter  resident  in  Wisconsin  and  northern  Illinois.  It 
is  gregarious  and  frequents  open  fields  and  prairies.  • 


580     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Genus  CALCARIUS   Bechs. 

245.     Calcarius  lapponicus  (LiNN.). 

LAPLAND  LONGS.PUR. 

Distr.:  Northern  portions  of  northern  hemisphere,  south  in  win- 
ter to  the  Carolinas,  Arkansas,  and  northeastern  Texas;  breeds  in 
the  far  north. 

Adult  male  in  spring:  Hind  toe  nail,  long;  head,  throat,  and 
breast,  black,  a  streak  of  buff  from  the  eye  backward;  a  chestnut  col- 
lar around  back  of  neck;  upper  parts, 
streaked  with  black  and  buff;  under 
parts,  white,  with  more  or  less  black 
streaks  on  sides;  primaries,  dusky 
brown,  the  feathers  with  pale  edgings; 
tail,  blackish;  outer  tail  feather,  with 
narrow  dusky  streak  along  the  shaft 
near  the  tip,  the  rest  of  the  end,  white, 
extending  up  the  feather  in  an  oblique 
and  gradually  narrowing  patch  and 

separating   the  black  on  the  inner  web  from   the    shaft  for  a  con- 
siderable distance. 

Adult  female  in  spring:  Upper  plumage,  streaked  with  buff,  black, 
and  pale  rufous;  a  rather  faint,  buffy  chestnut  collar  on  back  of  neck; 
head,  buffy  and  black;  under  parts,  white;  breast,  with  more  or  less 
black. 

Adult  male  in  winter:  Crown,  black,  more  or  less  mixed  with 
buffy,  a  buffy  streak  from  the  eye  backwards;  throat  and  breast, 
mixed  black  and  white;  chestnut  collar  on  back  of  neck,  mixed  with 
gray;  rest  of  plumage  resembling  spring  female. 

Adult  female  in  winter:   Similar  to  summer  plumage,  but  plumage 
duller  and  collar  on  the  nape  faintly  indicated. 
Length,  6.25;   wing,  3.60;   tail,  2.60;   bill,  .38. 
Abundant  during  migrations  in  late  fall  and  spring,  and  a  common 
winter  resident  both   in    Illinois  and   Wisconsin.     It   frequents   the 
fields  and  prairies,  usually  in  flocks.     The  majority  leave  for  the  north 
in  April,  although  it  is  not  uncommon  in  Wisconsin  in  May. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  581 

246.     Calcarius  pictus  (SWAINS.). 
SMITH'S  LONGSPUR. 

Distr. :  Interior  of  North  America;  south  in  winter  to  Illinois  and 
Texas;  breeds  from  the  latitude  of  the  Great  Slave  Lake  northward 
to  the  Arctic  Ocean. 

Adult  male  in  fall  and  winter:  Hind  toe  nail,  long;  two  outer  tail 
feathers,  largely  white;  under  parts,  entirely  tawny  buff,  showing  more 
or  less  small,  dusky  spots  on  the  breast;  upper 
plumage,  including  crown,  streaked  with  black 
and  grayish  buff;  nape  with  faint  indications 
of  a  tawny  buff  collar;  most  of  wing  coverts, 
edged  with  pale  brown  and  tipped  with  whit- 
ish; sides  of  head,  with  more  or  less  dusky; 
feet,  pale. 

In   summer  plumage   the   male   has    the 
crown  and  sides  of  the  head  black. 

Adult  female  in  fall  and  winter:  General 
resemblance  to  the  male  in  winter,  but  slightly  paler. 
Length,  6.50;  wing,  3.70;   tail,  2.60;  bill,  .38. 

Smith's  Longspur  is  an  irregular  but,  at  times,  a  not  uncommon 
migrant  in  spring  and  fall  in  Illinois  and  probably  in  southern  Wis- 
consin, frequenting  the  open  plains. 

Nelson  states  he  observed  a  flock  of  some  seventy-five  individuals 
near  Lake  Calumet.  Mr.  Frank  M.  Woodruff  found  it  abundant, 
May  5,  1893,  in  tne  vicinity  of  Worth  Township,  and  states  that  in 
the  year  1896  they  seemed  to  be  quite  abundant.  Mr.  A.  W.  Butler 
records  flocks  being  seen  in  Cook  Co.,  111.,  in  April,  1896,  and  again 
in  October  of  that  year  (Birds  of  Indiana,  1897,  p.  932). 

Kumlien  and  Hollister  consider  it  "as  rare  and  of  extremely 
erratic  occurrence  in  Wisconsin"  having  "found  it  but  a  few  times 
and  never  in  flocks  of  any  size." 

Several  specimens  in  the  Field  Museum  of  Natural  History  col- 
lection were  taken  at  Worth,  Illinois,  May  3,  1894. 


Genus  RHYNCHOPHANES  Baird. 
247.     Rhynchophanes  mccownii  (LAWR.). 

McCowN's  LONGSPUR. 

Distr.:    Interior  of  North  America,   from  the  Saskatchewan  to 
Texas   and   northern   Mexico;     breeds   from   Kansas   and    Nebraska 


582     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

northward  through  the  Dakotas,  Wyoming,  and  Montana  to  the  Sas- 
katchewan; accidental  in  Illinois. 

Adult  male  in  summer:  Hind  toe  nail,  long;  crown,  black;  a 
white  line  over  the  eye  (superciliary  line);  sides  of  head,  pale  ashy; 
a  black  malar  stripe  (extending  from  lower 
mandible);  throat,  white;  a  large  crescent 
shaped  black  patch  on  the  breast;  rest  of 
under  parts,  whitish;  back,  grayish,  streaked 
with  dusky  and  buff;  a  conspicuous  chestnut 
patch  on  the  "shoulder"  formed  by  the  median 
coverts ;  all  tail  feathers  except  the  two  middle 
ones,  mostly  white,  tipped  with  dark  brown. 
Adult  male  in  fall  and  winter:  No  black 

Lon*sPur.          on    crown  >   breast    Patch-    only   slightly    m- 
(Taii  and  upper  tail  coverts.)      ^icated;    head,    buffy,    the    crown    streaked 

with  dark  brown;  belly,  whitish  or  white.  It  may  be  recognized  by 
the  chestnut  "shoulder"  patch,  and  the  characteristic  marking  of 
the  tailfeathers. 

Adult  female  in  fall  and  winter:  Upper  plumage,  mixed  buff  and 
dark  brown;  a  rather  faint,  pale  buff  streak  over  the  eye;  throat, 
buffy  white;  breast,  pale  tawny  buff,  at  times  tinged  with  dusky; 
sides  of  body,  washed  with  tawny  buff;  belly,  whitish;  chestnut  shoul- 
der patch  (median  coverts)  of  the  male  replaced  by  pale  rufous  brown; 
tail  markings,  as  in  the  male. 

Length,  about  5.50  to  6;   wing,  3.50;    tail,  2.45;   bill,  .38. 

McCown's  Longspur  is  an  accidental  straggler  in  Illinois.  The 
only  record  I  have  been  able  to  find  of  its  occurrence  in  the  state  is 
that  of  Mr.  H.  K.  Coale  in  the  Bulletin  of  the  Nuttall  Ornithological 
Club,  1877,  p.  52,  in  which  he  states:  "  While  looking  over  a  box  of 
Snow  Buntings  and  Shore  Larks  in  the  market,  January  15,  1877,  I 
found  a  specimen  of  Plectrophanes  mccowni  shot  at  Champaign,  Illi- 
nois. January  17,  another  box  containing  Lapland  Longspurs  was 
sent  from  the  same  place  and  among  them  was  a  second  specimen  of 
P.  mccowni,  which  is  now  in  the  collection  of  C.  N.  Holden.  Jr.,  Chi- 
cago. January  19,  I  obtained  a  third  specimen  from  the  same  source, 
which  has  been  sent  to  Mr.  E.  W.  Nelson  of  this  city.  They  were 
all  males,  showing  plainly  the  chestnut  coloring  on  the  bendfof^the 
wing  and  the  peculiar  white  markings  of  the  tail." 

It  has  not  been  observed  in  Wisconsin. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


583 


Genus   POCECETES  Baird. 

248.     Pooecetes  gramineus  (GMEL.). 
VESPER  SPARROW. 

Distr.:  Eastern  North  America,  from  Dakota  and  Nebraska  to 
the  Atlantic  coast,  north  to  Ontario  and  Quebec  and  south  to  the  Gulf 
coast;  breeds  from  Missouri  and  Kentucky  northward. 

Adult:  Upper  plumage,  grayish  brown,  streaked  with  black,  some 
of  the  feathers  edged  with  pale  rufous  brown;  under  parts,  whitish; 


Tail  of  Vesper  Sparrow.  Vesper   Sparrow. 

the  sides  of  throat,  breast,  and  sides  of  body  streaked  with  dark  brown 
and  pale  buff;  lesser  wing  coverts,  rufous  brown;  tail,  dark  brown, 
the  outer  feathers  mostly  white  (see  cut,  in  Key  to  Species). 

Length,  6;   wing,  3;   tail,  2.45;    bill,  .38. 

An  abundant  summer  resident  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  arriving 
from  the  south  the  latter  part  of  March  or  early  in  April.  (First  Chi- 
cago record,  March  20).  The  song,  which  is  very  sweet  and  plaintive, 
is  often  heard  after  sundown. 

The  breeding  season  lasts  from  May  until  July.  The  nest,  which 
is  built  on  the  ground  in  open  places,  is  composed  of  dry  grass  and 
small  rootlets.  The  eggs  are  from  4  to  6,  usually  dull  white  or  pink- 
ish white,  marked  and  scrawled  with  black  and  pale  purplish  brown, 
and  measure  about  .82  x  .61  inches. 


584     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Genus  PASSERCULUS  Bonap. 

249.     Passerculus  sandwichensis  savanna  (WiLS.). 

SAVANNA  SPARROW. 

Ammodramus  sandwichensis  savanna  (Wils.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List, 
1895,  p.  224. 

Diatr. :  Eastern  North  America,  from  Dakota  and  Nebraska  to 
the  Atlantic  coast  and  from  Labrador  and  Ungava  south  to  the  Gulf 
of  Mexico,  Florida,  Cuba,  and  Yucatan;  breeds  from  Illinois,  Wiscon- 
sin, and  Pennsylvania  northward  to  limit  of  its  range  (Cape  Eskimo, 
Ungava,  Labrador,  etc.). 

Adult:  A  superciliary  line  and  bend  of  the  wing,  pale  yellow, 
on  the  latter  so  pale  at  times  as  to  be  hardly  noticeable;  all  tail 


feathers,  dark  grayish  brown  and  rather  pointed;  upper  plumage, 
streaked,  mixed  black,  ashy  and  pale  rufous  brown;  under  parts, 
white,  streaked  on  breast  and  sides  with  brownish  black;  belly,  gener- 
ally without  streaks;  wings,  dark  slaty  brown,  the  coverts  and  inner 
secondaries,  brownish  black,  edged  with  pale  rufous  brown. 

Length,  5.60;  wing,  2.65;   tail,  2.15;   bill,  .38. 

The  Savanna  Sparrow  is  a  common  summer  resident  in  northern 
Illinois,  and  Wisconsin,  from  April  until  October.  Frequents  fields 
and  prairies.  A  few  remain  in  southern  Illinois  during  the  winter. 

The  note  is  a  faint  trill  preceded  by  peculiar  rasping  sounds  some- 
what resembling  those  of  the  Grasshopper  Sparrow. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  585 

It  breeds  in  May  and  June.  The  nest,  which  is  placed  on  the 
ground,  is  made  of  dry  grass.  The  eggs  are  from  four  to  five,  pale 
bluish  or  buffy  white,  speckled  and  blotched  (sometimes  washed) 
with  cinnamon  brown  or  dull  rufous  brown,  nearly  obscuring  the 
ground  color.  They  measure  about  .77  x  .56  inches. 


Genus  COTURNICULUS  Bonap. 

250.     Coturniculus  savannarum  australis  (MAYNARD). 

GRASSHOPPER    SPARROW. 

Ammodramus  savannarum  passerinus  (Wils.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List' 
1895,  P-  226- 

Local  name:  Yellow-winged  Sparrow. 

Distr. :  Eastern  United  States,  from  the  Great  Plains  to  the  At- 
lantic coast,  north  to  southern  Canada  and  south  in  winter  to  Cuba, 
Porto  Rico,  and  Central  America;  breeds  from  Missouri  and  the  Caro- 
linas  northward. 

Adult:  Crown,  brownish  black,  with  a  pale  buffy  white  streak 
in  centre;  an  orange  yellow  spot  above  the  eye;  bend  of  wing,  clear 
yellow;  feathers  on  the  back,  dark  brown,  edged  with  rufous  and  gray; 
under  parts,  pale  tawny  buff,  shading  into  whitish  on  the  belly,  usually 
without  streaks;  primaries  and  tail  feathers,  dusky,  with  very  narrow 
pale  edgings,  the  outer  tail  feather,  pale,  but  not  white. 

Very  young  birds  in  August  have  the  breast  streaked  or  spotted 
with  dusky  and  show  no  yellow  above  the  eye  or  on  bend  of  wing. 

Length,  5;   wing,  2.45;   tail,  1.80;   bill,  .40. 

A  common  summer  resident  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  from  late  in 
April  until  September  or  October. 

Breeds  from  May  to  July.  The  nest  is  built  on  the  ground  and  is 
composed  of  dry  grass,  sometimes  more  or  less  arched  over  at  the  top. 
The  eggs  are  from  3  to  5  in  number,  pure  white,  speckled  and  spotted 
with  reddish  brown,  chiefly  at  the  larger  end,  and  occasionally  showing 
small  markings  of  black  and  dull  lavender.  They  measure  about 
.73  x  .56  inches. 

Mr.  Frank  M.  Chapman  says:  "  its  fine  insect-like  notes  give  it 
the  name  of  Grasshopper  Sparrow.  They  may  be  written  pit-tuck, 
zee-e-e-e-e-e-e-e .  Under  favorable  circumstances  they  can  be  heard 
by  an  attentive  listener  at  a  distance  of  two  hundred  and  fifty  feet, 
but  the  casual  observer  would  pass  within  ten  feet  of  a  singing  bird 
and  be  none  the  wiser."  (Handbook  Bds.  Eastern  N.  A.,  1895,  P-  294-) 


586     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — -ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

251.     Coturniculus  henslowii  (Auo.). 
HENSLOW'S  SPARROW. 

Ammodramus  henslowii  (Aud.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  226. 

Distr.:  Eastern  United  States,  from  the  Atlantic  coast  west  to 
the  plains,  and  from  southern  New  England  and  southern  Ontario  to 
the  Gulf  of  .Mexico;  breeds  from  Kentucky,  Illinois,  and  Missouri 
northward. 

Adult:  Greater  portion  of  head  and  nape,  dull  olive  green;  crown, 
black,  with  olive  green  stripe  in  centre;  feathers  of  the  back,  rufous 


Tail  and  bill.  Henslow's  Sparrow. 


brown,  with  black  centres,  and  narrowly  edged  with  ashy  white; 
throat,  whitish  or  buffy  white;  breast,  pale  buff,  streaked  with  black; 
belly,  dull  white;  sides  of  body,  buff,  streaked  with  black;  tail  feathers, 
narrow  and  pointed,  the  two  middle  feathers,  rufous  brown,  with  a 
dark  brown  streak  in  the  centre  bordering  the  shafts. 

Length,  5,  or  less;   wing,  2.15;   tail,  2;   bill,  .36. 

This  species  is  a  rather  common  summer  resident  in  suitable 
localities  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  arriving  the  latter  part  of  April 
and  leaving  for  the  south  early  in  October.  Frequents  open  prairies, 
fields,  and  marshes. 

Breeds  in  May  and  June.  The  nest  is  placed  on  the  ground,  and 
is  composed  of  dry  grass,  often  lined  with  fine  grass  or  hair.  The 
eggs  are  grayish  white,  thickly  spotted  and  speckled  with  light 
rufous  brown,  from  4  to  5  in  number,  and  measure  about  .76  x  .57 
inches. 

252.     Coturniculus  leconteii  (Auo.). 
LECONTE'S  SPARROW. 

Ammodramus  leconteii  (Aud.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  227. 
Distr. :    From  the  Great  Plains  eastward  to  Illinois,  Indiana,  and 
Kentucky,  and  from  Manitoba  to  the  Carolinas,  Florida,  and  Texas 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  587 

in  winter;    breeds  from  Iowa  northward  through  Minnesota  and  the 
Dakotas  to  Manitoba. 

Adult:  Top  of  head,  blackish,  with  a  grayish  buff  streak  in  the  cen- 
tre; a  tawny  buff  stripe  over  the  eye;  feathers  of  the  back,  brownish 
black,  edged  with  pale  rufous  and  buff;  throat, 
buffy  white;  breast  and  sides,  pale  buff,  streaked 
with  dull  black;  tail  feathers,  narrow  and  point- 
ed, the  shafts,  dark. 

Length,  5  or  less;  wing,  2.10;  tail,  2;  bill,  .33., 
Leconte's    Sparrow    is  a  more  or    less  com- 
mon   migrant    in  Illinois    and    Wisconsin    and 
some  years  abundant  in  some  localities.      Ridg- 
s  sparrow  .  considers  it  an  abundant  migrant  in  some 


localities  and  states  that  in  the  latter  part  of  October,  1882,  he  "  found 
it  numerous  in  meadows  on  Sugar  Creek  prairie,  Richland  Co.,  in 
company  with  C.  henslowi." 

Nelson  considered  it  a  rare  migrant  in  northeastern  Illinois.  Mr. 
Frank  M.  Woodruff  gives  it  as  a  rare  migrant  in  the  vicinity  of  Chi- 
cago. Specimens  were  taken  by  Mr.  Nelson  near  the  Calumet  River. 
It  has  been  observed  on  several  occasions  near  Worth,  111.,  and  Mr. 
H.  S.  Swarth  procured  a  specimen  there  on  October  12,  1905. 

In  a  note  regarding  its  occurrence  near  Warsaw,  111.,  Mr.  Chas. 
K.  Worthen  states:  "  I  have  taken  in  the  last  two  years  on  the  prai- 
ries here  some  twenty  specimens;  have  taken  them  both  in  fall  and 
spring  as  well  as  during  the  summer,  and  am  satisfied  they  breed 
here,  though  I  have  not  been  able  to  find  their  nests  or  eggs.  I  have 
found  them  on  low  swampy  prairies  in  the  Mississippi  bottoms  and 
on  dry  prairies  on  the  bluffs,  but  generally  in  swampy  or  marshy 
ground."  (Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  V,  1880,  p.  32.) 

According  to  Kumlien  and  Hollister  it  is  abundant  at  times  in 
Wisconsin.  They  state:  "  This  species  was  taken  at  Lake  Koshko- 
nong  but  three  or  four  times,  but  always  in  the  autumn,  from  1842 
to  1890.  One  specimen  was  taken  near  Milwaukee  in  the  fall  of  1879. 
In  September,  1894,  numbers  were  procured  at  Lake  Koshkonong  and 
at  the  same  date  in  1895  five  hundred  could  have  been  taken.  In 
1896  but  few  were  seen,  and  in  1897  none  were  procured.  Since  1897 
but  a  few  each  fall  could  be  found.  One  was  taken  at  Delavan  in 
September,  1900,  and  others  noted.  We  are  at  a  loss  to  account  for 
its  great  numbers  in  1895,  when  a  series  of  sixty  skins  were  secured 
in  two  days,  and  as  many  more  could  easily  have  been  taken.  It  is 
also  rather  remarkable  that  the  closest  search  has  failed  to  produce 
a  single  specimen  in  spring,  none  having  been  noted  before  August." 
(Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  96.) 


588     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Genus  PASSERHERBULUS  Maynard. 
253.     Passerherbulus  caudacutus  nelsoni  (ALLEN). 
NELSON'S  SHARP-TAILED  SPARROW. 

Ammodramus  caudacutus  nelsoni  Allen,  A.  O.  U.  Check  List, 
1895,  p.  227. 

Distr, :  Breeds  from  northern  Illinois  and  northwestern  Indiana 
northward  through  the  Dakotas  and  Manitoba  to  Athabaska;  south 
in  winter  to  Texas.  Occurs  on  Atlantic  coast  from  New  England  to 
South  Carolina  and  northern  Florida  during  migrations;  frequents 
fresh  water  marshes. 

Adult:  Crown,  dark  olive  brown,  with  a  grayish  streak  through 
the  centre;  an  orange  buff  streak  over  the  eye;  a  patch  of  gray  on  the 

ear  coverts,  and  cheeks  bor- 
dered by  orange  buff  below; 
nape,  tinged  with  grayish 
olive;  feathers  of  the  back, 
grayish  olive,  sometimes 
brownish"  olive,  margined  with 
gray  or  pale  buff;  throat,  pale 
buff  or  buffy  white;  breast 
and  sides  of  body,  ochraceous 
buff,  faintly  streaked  with 
dusky;  middle  of  belly,  white 
or  whitish;  bend  of  wing, 
tinged  with  yellow;  tail  feathers,  narrow  and  pointed,  dull  brown 
in  color;  the  shafts  of  tail  feathers,  dark  brown,  and  usually  (but 
not  always)  with  numerous  indistinct  narrow  dusky  bars,  giving 
them  a  "watered"  appearance;  primaries,  brown;  greater  coverts 
and  inner  secondaries, dark  brown,  broadly  edged  with  rufous  brown 
and  pale  buff. 

Length,  5.40;   wing,  2.20;   tail,  2;   bill,  .45. 

Nelson's  Sharp-tailed  Sparrow,  or  Sharp-tailed  Finch  as  it  is  often 
called,  is  abundant  at  times  in  Illinois  during  the  migrations,  but  ap- 
parently much  less  common  in  spring  than  in  the  fall.  A  few  remain 
to  breed  in  the  state,  although  the  majority  go  further  north. 

Nelson  states:  "The  i2th  of  June,  1875,  I  saw  several  of 
these  birds  in  the  dense  grass  bordering  Lake  Calumet,  where  they 
were  undoubtedly  breeding."  (Birds  N.  E.  111.,  1876,  p.  107.)  Mr. 
Frank  M.  Woodruff  writes,  "  I  have  taken  the  nest  and  eggs  of  this 
species  from  near  Calumet  Lake."  (Birds  of  the  Chicago  Area,  1907, 
p.  138.)  Messrs.  Kumlien  and  Hollister  consider  this  species  an 


Nelson's  Sharp- tailed  Sparrow. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


589 


abundant  migrant  in  Wisconsin  in  the  fall,  but  have  not  observed 
it  in  spring.  They  found  it  "exceedingly  abundant  about  Lake 
Koshkonong  in  September  and  early  October."  (Birds  of  Wiscon- 
sin, 1903,  p.  93.) 

Nest  in  marsh,  composed  of  coarse  grass  and  weeds,  usually  sup- 
ported between  upright  reeds  or  stalks  of  coarse  grass,  but  often  on 
the  ground  and  rarely  in  low  bushes.  The  eggs  are  from  3  to  5,  dull 
white,  speckled  and  spotted  with  brown,  and  measure  about  .76  x  .57 
inches. 

Genus   CHONDESTES  Swainson. 
254.     Chondestes  grammacus  (SAY). 

LARK  SPARROW. 

Distr.:  Central  portion  of  United  States,  common  from  Dakota, 
Nebraska,  and  Kansas  to  Michigan  and  Illinois,  but  found  occa- 
sionally as  far  east  as  the  Atlantic  coast;  breeds  from  Texas  to  north- 
ern Wisconsin  and  North  Dakota  and  casually  east  to  New  York 
and  New  England;  south  in  winter  to  Florida  and  the  Gulf  states. 

Adult:  Sides  of  crown  and  a  patch  on  the  ear  coverts,  chestnut; 
forehead,  black,  with  a  whitish  spot  in  centre,  shading  into  an  ashy 

strip  through  the  middle  of  the 
crown;  a  whitish  streak  in  front 
of  and  below  the  eye;  a  buffy 
white  stripe  behind  the  eye, 
extending  to  the  neck;  throat, 
white,  with  a  black  line  on  each 
side;  back,  grayish,  streaked  with 
black;  a  black  spot  on  the  middle 
of  the  breast;  rest  of  under  parts, 
white,  faintly  tinged  with  brown- 
ish gray;  wings,  brown;  middle  tail 
feathers,  dark  brown  like  the 
Lark  sparrow.  wings,  the  others  black,  tipped 

with  white;  the  outer  tail  feathers,  white  for  at  least  three-fourths 
of  an  inch  from  the  tip,  the  extent  of  the  white  marking  decreas- 
ing on  each  succeeding  feather. 

Length,  6.20;  wing,  3.50;  tail,  2.80;   bill,  .40. 

This  melodious  songster  is  a  more  or  less  common  summer  resident 
in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  being  more  numerous  in  the  western  than 
in  the  eastern  parts  of  both  states  and  apparently  of  rather  local 
distribution.  It  arrives  from  the  south  in  April.  It  is  one  of  our 


590     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

most  delightful  songsters,  the  notes  being  strikingly  clear  and  melo- 
dious. As  Mr.  Ridgway  describes  it  "This  song  is  composed  of  a 
series  of  chants,  each  syllable  rich,  loud,  and  clear,  interspersed  with 
emotional  trills. ' ' 

It  breeds  in  May  and  June.  The  nest'is  built  on  the  ground  or  in 
low  trees  or  bushes,  and  is  composed  chiefly  of  dried  grass.  The  eggs 
are  3  to  5,  white  or  faintly  bluish  white,  marked,  speckled  and  lined 
chiefly  at  the  larger  end  with  black  and  dark  brown;  size  about  .70  x 
.50  inches. 

The  Field  Museum  collection  contains  the  following  sets  of  eggs 
of  this  species  taken  in  northern  Illinois:  4  eggs,  Joliet,  May  21, 
1906;  5  eggs,  Chicago,  May  20,  1905;  4  eggs,  Chicago,  May  20,  1905. 


Genus  ZONOTRICHIA  Swainson. 

255.     Zonotrichia  querula  (NuTT.). 

HARRIS'S  SPARROW. 

Distr.:  Middle  United  States,  from  Illinois,  Missouri,  and  Iowa, 
west  to  middle  Kansas,  the  Dakotas,  and  plains  east  of  the  Rocky 
Mountains,  and  from  Texas  north  to  Hudson  Bay  and  Assiniboia; 
breeds  north  of  the  United  States. 

Adult  male:  Crown  and  throat,  black;  sides  of  head,  grayish  buff ; 
back,  brown,  streaked  with  dark  brown;  sides  of  body,  olive  buff, 
streaked  with  dusky;  belly  and  lower  breast,  white;  under  tail 
coverts,  pale  buff;  bill,  reddish  brown. 

Female:  Similar,  but  with  much  less  black  marking  on  head  and 
throat,  often  broken  and  irregular. 

Length,  7.25;   wing,  3.40;  tail,  3.50;  bill,  .45. 

Mr.  E.  W.  Nelson  considered  this  species  a  rare  visitant  in  north- 
eastern Illinois.  Prof.  Ridgway  (Bulletin  of  the  Nuttall  Ornitholog- 
ical Club,  1880,  p.  30)  records  two  specimens  taken  by  Mr.  W.  H. 
Garman  in  Illinois,  one  at  Bloomington  in  the  spring  of  1877  and 
another  at  Normal  on  the  i4th  of  November,  1879.  He  also  states 
that  according  to  Mr.  H.  K.  Coale,  three  specimens  were  collected  at 
La  Crosse,  Wisconsin,  October  3,  1883  (Orn.  of  Illinois,  Vol.  I,  1889, 
p.  267).  Mr.  James  O.  Dunn  procured  a  specimen  east  of  Riverdale, 
Illinois,  which  he  observed  in  a  growth  of  small  willows  (Auk,  1895, 
p.  395).  Mr.  Frank  M.  Woodruff  quotes  Mr.  Ruthven  Deane  as  hav- 
ing observed  a  male  of  this  species  feeding  with  a  flock  of  sparrows 
in  the  south  end  of  Lincoln  Park,  May  n,  1904  (Birds  of  the  Chicago 
Area,  1907,  p.  139).  Mr.  Otho  C.  Poling  states  he  procured  two 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  591 

specimens  in  Adams  County,  Illinois  (The  Auk,  Vol.  VII,  1890,  p.  241). 
Mr.  Isaac  E.  Hess  writes  me  he  has  taken  it  at  Philo,  Illinois,  and  Mr. 
Frank  S.  Daggett  records  a  specimen  taken  by  Mr.  L.  E.  Wyman  at 
Beach  Lake  Co.,  Illinois,  October  13,  1907  (The  Auk,  Vol.  XXV, 
1908,  p.  82).  Mr.  Chas.  K.  Worthen  informs  me  he  has  taken  it  near 
Warsaw,  111. 

Messrs.  Kumlien  and  Hollister  give  numerous  records  of  the 
occurrence  of  this  species  in  different  parts  of  Wisconsin,  and  state 
that  in  their  opinion  the  bird  "  is  becoming  more  common  in  Wis- 
consin than  formerly."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  98.) 


256.     Zonotrichia  leucophrys  (FoRST.). 
WHITE-CROWNED  SPARROW. 

Distr.:  North  America  and  northern  Mexico;  breeding  in  the 
Rocky  Mountains,  the  Sierra  Nevada,  and  from  the  extreme  northern 
border  of  the  United  States  to  Ungava,  Labrador,  and  probably 
Greenland. 

Adult  male:  No  yellow  anywhere  on  head  or  edge  of  carpus; 
crown,  black,  divided  in  the  centre  by  a  broad  white  stripe,  a  white 

line    from    above    and    somewhat 
,    behind  the  eye  extends  backward, 
bordered  below  by  a  black  streak ; 
nape,  gray;  back,  grayish,  streaked 
with  brown;    rump,  grayish  olive; 
throat,    ashy,   shading  to    grayish 
on  the  breast;   belly,  white;   flanks 
;    and  under  tail  coverts,  pale  olive 
buff;    edge  of  carpal  joint,  whitish 
or  white;   primaries  and  tail,  gray- 
ish   brown;    wing   coverts,    tipped 
White-crowned  Sparrow.  with  white;    sexes,  similar. 

Length,  about  6.50;  wing,  3.15;  tail,  3.10;  bill,  .38. 
A  common  spring  and  fall  migrant  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin  and 
has  been  known  to  breed  in  Wisconsin.  Messrs.  Kumlien  and  Hoi- 
lister  say:  "The  white-crown  is  a  common  migrant,  usually  in  the 
scattered  flocks  of  white-throats,  fox  and  other  hedge  and  brush-lov- 
ing sparrows.  It  also  nests  very  sparingly  in  the  state.  Dr.  Hoy 
reported  that  a  few  nested  near  Racine.  It  was.  also  taken  at  Cedar- 
burg  in  June,  1882,  when  two  of  the  five  young  barely  able  to  fly  were 
taken.  In  1873  it  nested  on  the  north  shore  of  Lake  Monona,  at  Mad- 


592     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

ison,  and  it  has  been  known  to  remain  through  the  summer  a  number 
of  times  at  Lake  Koshkonong."      (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  98.) 

The  nest  is  placed  in  low  bushes  or  on  the  ground.  The  eggs  are 
from  4  to  5,  pale  greenish  blue  or  pale  brown,  spotted  and  speckled 
chiefly  at  the  larger  end  with  rufous  brown,  and  measure  about  .88  x 
.62  inches. 

256a.     Zonotrichia  leucophrys  gambelii  (NuxT.). 
GAMBEL'S  SPARROW. 

Zonotrichia  leucophrys  intermedia  RIDGW.,  A.  O.  U.  Check  List, 
1895,  p.  230. 

Distr. :  Western  North  America,  breeding  from  Montana  to  Alaska ; 
south  in  winter  to  northern  Texas  and  northern  Mexico;  casual  or 
accidental  during  migrations  in  Minnesota,  Missouri,  and  Wisconsin. 

Gambel's  Sparrow  is  similar  to  the  White-crowned  Sparrow,  but 
differs  from  it  in  having  the  lores,  grayish  (without  black),  while  leu- 
cophrys has  a  black  stripe  from  the  front  of  the  eye  to  the  bill.  Z. 
I.  gambellii  also  has  the  edge  of  the  carpal  joint  yellowish  instead  of 
white  as  in  leucophrys. 

I  can  find  no  satisfactory  record  of  the  occurrence  of  this  species 
in  Illinois,  but  according  to  Mr.  Nelson  it  has  been  taken  in  Wiscon- 
sin. He  states:  "The  2oth  of  April,  1871,  a  specimen  of  this  form 
was  obtained  near  Racine  by  Dr.  Hoy.  The  specimen  has  been 
kindly  loaned  to  me  for  examination  and  is  without  doubt  a  per- 
fectly authentic  example  of  this  variety."  (Birds  N.  E.  111.,  1876, 
p.  107.)  Messrs.  Kumlien  and  Hollister  state  that  "specimens  have 
been  taken  a  number  of  times  about  Lake  Koshkonong  which  were 
almost,  if  not  quite,  typical  gambelii."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p. 

99-) 

This  form  is  often  referred  to  as  "Intermediate  Sparrow." 

257.     Zonotrichia  coronata  (PALL.). 
GOLDEN-CROWNED  SPARROW. 

Distr.:  Pacific  coast  region  of  the  United  Statas;  breeds  in  Alas- 
ka; south  in  winter  to  southern  California;  accidental  in  Wisconsin. 

This  species  somewhat  resembles  the  White-crowned  Sparrow, 
Z.  leucophrys,  but  differs  in  having  the  front  of  the  middle  crown 
yellow  and  the  carpal  joint  tinged  with  yellow.  There  are  various 
other  differences,  but  the  above  should  be  sufficient  to  recognize  it. 

Length,  about  7;  wing,  3;  tail,  3.25;  bill,  .40. 

The  Golden-crowned  Sparrow  has  not  been  recorded  from  Illinois, 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  593 

but  is  included  as  a  rare  straggler  in  Wisconsin.  Dr.  Hoy  claims  to 
have  taken  several  specimens  near  Racine  from  1853  to  1858. 
Mr.  E.  W.  Nelson  says:  "A  beautiful  male  specimen  of  this  species 
was  obtained  the  middle  of  April,  1858,  by  Dr.  Hoy  in  his  garden  at 
Racine.  The  specimen  was  first  identified  by  Mr.  Cassin.  This 
specimen  was  loaned  me  with  the  preceding  and  upon  comparison  I 
find  it  differs  but  very  slightly  from  California  specimens  of  the  same 
species  in  my  collection."  (Birds  N.  E.  Illinois,  1876,  p.  108.) 


258.     Zonotrichia  albicollis  (GMEL.). 
WHITE-THROATED  SPARROW. 

Distr. :  North  America  east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains,  from  the 
gulf  coast  to  Athabaska.  Ungava,  and  Labrador;  accidental  or  casual 
on  the  Pacific  coast;  breeds  from  Wisconsin,  Michigan,  and  New  York, 
northward. 

Adult:  Crown,  black,  divided  by  a  white  stripe  through  the  centre; 
a  yellow  streak  in  front  of  the  eye;  a  white  stripe  extending  back- 
ward from  above  the  eye  to  base 
of  the  crown,  bordered  below  by  a 
black  stripe;  chin  and  upper 
throat,  white;  lower  throat  and 
upper  breast,  grayish,  shading  into 
white  on  the  lower  breast  and  belly; 
sides  of  body,  pale  olive  buff;  edge 
of  carpal  joint  (bend  of  wing),  yel- 
low; back,  rufous  brown,  streaked 
with  black,  some  of  the  feathers, 

White-throated  Sparrow. 

edged  with  ashy;  primaries  and 

tail,  grayish  brown;  most  of  secondaries,  dark  brown,  edged,  with 
rufous;  greater  and  middle  wing  coverts,  dark  brown,  more  or  less 
edged  with  rufous  and  tipped  with  white. 

Adult  female  in  fall:  Similar,  but  more  or  less  brown  instead  of 
black  on  the  crown. 

Immature  birds  have  the  black  on  the  crown  replaced  by  brown, 
the  yellow  spot  in  front  of  the  eye  paler  and  smaller,  and  the  yellow 
on  the  carpal  joint  much  paler;  the  breast  sometimes  with  obscure 
streaks. 

Length,  6.70;  wing,  2.85  to  3.10;  tail,  3;  bill,  .38;   tarsus,  .87. 

The"  White-throated  Sparrow  is  an  abundant  migrant  in  Illinois 
and  Wisconsin  in  spring  and  fall  and,  according  to  Kumlien  and  Hoi- 
lister,  a  not  uncommon  summer  resident  in  the  latter  state,  breeding 


594     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

in  favorable  localities.      Mr.  John  F.  Ferry  found  four  young  birds  of 
this  species  unable  to  fly  near  Woodruff, 
Vilas  Co.,  Wisconsin,  on  June  20,  1908. 

The  song  is  characteristic  and  very 
pleasing,  a  clear  musical  whistle,  a  sug- 
gestion of  which  may  be  had  by  playing' 
the  following  notes  on  a  fife: 

The  nest  is  on  the  ground  or  in  low  trees  or  bushes.  The  eggs  are 
4  to  5  in  number,  pale  brown  or  greenish  blue,  spotted  and  speckled 
with  reddish  brown,  and  measure  about  .82  x  .60  inches. 


Genus  SPIZELLA  Bonap. 
259.     Spizella  monticola  (GMEL.). 
TREE  SPARROW. 

Distr. :  "  Eastern  North  America,  west  to  the  Plains,  and  from  the 
Arctic  Ocean-  south,  in  winter,  to  the  Carolinas,  Kentucky,  and  east- 
ern Kansas.  Breeds  north  of  the  United  States,  east  of  the  Rocky 
Mountains."  (A.  O.  U.) 

Adult:  Top  of  head,  rufous  brown,  a  gray  stripe  over  the  eye  and 
a  narrow  rufous  stripe  extending  from  the  eye  backward;  a  short 


Tree  Sparrow. 

narrow  streak  of  rufous  on  side  of  throat,  from  base  of  lower  mandi- 
ble; back,  streaked  with  rufous  brown,  black  and  pale  buff;  rump, 
brownish  gray;  breast,  grayish  white,  with  an  obscure  dusky  mark 
or  small  irregular  spot  in  the  middle;  belly,  dull  white;  sides  of  body, 
pale  brownish  buff;  wing  coverts,  with  black  centres  broadly  edged 
with  rufous  and  tipped  with  white,  forming  a  noticeable  white  wing 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


595 


bar;  tail  feathers,  dusky  brown,  narrowly  edged  with  whitish;  upper 
mandible  blackish;  lower  mandible,  mostly  yellow;  sexes,  similar. 

Length,  about  5.90;   wing,  2.90;  tail,  2.75;  bill,  .30. 

An  abundant  migrant  and  common  winter  resident  in  both  Illi- 
nois and  Wisconsin,  possessing  musical  ability  above  the  average. 
Its  song  is  delightful,  but  difficult  to  describe.  The  notes  are  loud 
and  clear,  usually  ending  with  a  warble.  It  arrives  in  October  and 
leaves  -for  the  north  in  April. 


260.     Spizella  passerina  (BECHST.). 
CHIPPING  SPARROW. 

Spizella  socialis  (Wils.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  232. 

Distr.:  "Eastern  North  America,  west  to  the  Rocky  Mountains, 
north  to  Great  Slave  Lake,  and  south  to  eastern  Mexico,  breeding 
from  the  Gulf  States  northward."  (A.  O.  U.) 

Adult:  Crown,  chestnut  rufous;  forehead,  blackish,  with  a  spot  of 
gray  on  the  centre'  joining  base  of  culmen;  a  grayish  superciliary 
stripe  and  a  narrow  black  line 
extending  from  the  eye  back- 
wards; bill,  mostly  black;  under 
parts,  ashy,  shading  into  whitish 
on  throat  and  belly ;  back,  streak- 
ed  with  black,  dull  rufous  and 
grayish  brown;  greater  and 
middle  wing  coverts,  narrowly 
tipped  with  white;  rump,  ashy 
or  grayish,  sometimes  streaked; 
primaries  and  tail  feathers, 
dusky  brown,  with  very  narrow 
pale  edges;  sexes,  similar. 

Young  birds  have  the  crown  streaked  like  the  back  (without  ru- 
fous) and  the  breast  and  sides  streaked  with  dusky. 

Length,  5.25;  wing,  2.75;  tail,  2.25;  bill,  .35. 

The  Chipping  Sparrow  or  "  Chippy,"  as  it  is  often  called,  is  one  of 
our  most  familiar  birds.  It  is  a  common  summer  resident  in  Illinois 
and  Wisconsin,  arriving  in  April  and  leaving  for  the  south  in  October. 
It  is  a  cheerful  but  not  a  particularly  good  songster,  the  usual  notes 
being  a  rather  long  trill  combined  with  the  familiar  and  oft  repeated 
chip. 

It  breeds  in  May  and  June.  The  nest  is  in  a  tree  or  bush,  and  is 
composed  of  grass  and  plant  stems,  usually  lined  with  horse  hair, 


Chipping  Sparrow. 


596     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

when  in  the  vicinity  of  dwellings.  The  eggs  are  from  3  to  5,  pale 
greenish  blue  or  pale  blue,  speckled  and  marked  with  brown  and  black, 
chiefly  at  the  larger  end,  and  measure  about  .68  x  .50  inches. 


261.     Spizella  pallida  (SWAINS.). 
CLAY-COLORED  SPARROW. 

Distr. :  Interior  of  North  America ,  from  Wisconsin  and  Illinois  west 
to  the  Rocky  Mountains,  north  to  Saskatchewan  and  Athabaska 
region,  and  south  in  winter  to  Mexico  and  Lower  California;  breeds 
from  Iowa,  Wisconsin,  and  Nebraska  northward. 

Adult:  Crown,  streaked  with  pale  brown  and  black,  and  an  irreg- 
ular gray  stripe  through  the  centre;  a  whitish  stripe  over  the  eye 
and  a  dark  stripe  from  the  eye  backward;  side  of  head  (loral  and 
auricular  region),  buffy  brown,  bordered  below  with  dusky;  throat, 
white,  with  a  narrow  dusky  maxillary  streak;  back,  clay  brown, 
streaked  with  black;  rump,  brownish  gray;  under  parts,  white,  more 
or  less  faintly  tinged  with  pale  ashy  brown  on  breast  and  sides;  upper 
mandible,  dark;  under  mandible,  pale;  legs  and  feet,  pale. 

Length,  about  5.10;  wing,  2.45;  tail,  2.40;   bill,  .36. 

The  Clay-colored  Sparrow  is  not  uncommon  during  migrations 
and  may  be  considered  a  summer  resident  in  northern  Illinois.  It 
is  more  common  in  Wisconsin.  Nelson  considered  it  "  a  rare  summer 
resident  about  the  borders  of  prairies.  Specimens  are  in  Mr.  Holden's 
collection  taken  near  Chicago."  (Birds  N.  E.  111.,  1876,  p.  108.)  Mr. 
O.  C.  Poling  met  with  this  species  occasionally  during  migrations 
near  Quincy,  111.,  and  says:  "  Early  in  May,  1887,  I  collected  a  num- 
ber of  specimens  and  found  them  quite  common  in  pasture  and  stub- 
ble fields  near  the  city."  (The  Auk,  1890,  p.  242.) 

Regarding  its  occurrence  in  Wisconsin,  Kumlien  and  Hollister  write : 
"An  irregularly  distributed  summer  resident  from  the  southern  part 
of  the  state  northward.  *****  Has  been  taken  nesting  at  Lake 
Koshkonong,  where  it  occurs  as  a  regular  summer  resident.  More 
common  about  Stevens  Point  than  any  other  locality  we  know  of." 
(Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  100.) 

The  nest  is  in  low  bushes  or  on  the  ground,  and  is  composed  of 
grass.  The  eggs  are  3  to  5,  pale  greenish  blue,  speckled  and  marked 
chiefly  at  the  larger  end  with  dark  brown,  and  measure  about  .66 
x  .50  inches. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  597 

262.     Spizella  pusilla  (WiLs.). 
FIELD  SPARROW. 

Distr.:  Whole  of  eastern  United  States,  from  the  Dakotas  and 
Kansas  to  the  Atlantic  coast,  and  from  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  to  south- 
ern Canada;  breeds  from  northern  Florida,  Alabama,  Louisiana 
and  Texas  northward. 

Adult:  Bill,  reddish  brown;  crown,  rufous  chestnut;  a  gray 
superciliary  stripe  and  post-ocular  patch  of  rufous  chestnut;  back, 
rufous  chestnut,  narrowly  streaked 
with  black  and  the  feathers  edged 
with  ashy;  rump,  brownish  gray,  some- 
times showing  a  faint  olive  tinge;  under 
%^,  parts,  white,  without  streaks,  but 
washed  with  pale  brown  on  breast  and 
sides;  wing  coverts  and  inner  second- 
aries, brownish  black,  broadly  edged 
with  pale  rufous  and  tipped  with  white, 
forming  two  narrow  white  bands ;  tail , 
grayish  brown. 

Sexes  similar. 

Length,  5.55;  wing,  2.40;  tail,  2.50;  bill,  .35. 

The  Field  Sparrow  is  a  common  summer  resident  in  Illinois  and 
Wisconsin,  arriving  in  April  (earliest  Chicago  record,  March  22)  and 
leaving  for  the  south  in  October.  It  is  a  pleasing  songster,  the  song 
consisting  of  several  short  notes  followed  by  a  musical  trill. 

It  breeds  in  May  and  June.  The  nest  is  composed  of  grass,  either 
on  or  near  the  ground.  The  eggs  are  from  3  to  5,  dull  white  or  green- 
ish or  pale  buff,  marked  with  brown,  chiefly  at  the  larger  end,  and 
measure  about  .68  x  .50  inches.  The  Field  Museum  collection  con- 
tains a  series  of  sets  of  eggs  taken  in  northern  Illinois  between  May 
9  and  June  18. 

Genus  JUNCO   Wagler. 

The  species  and  subspecies  of  Juncos  or  Snowbirds  which  occur 
within  our  limits  may  be  recognized  by  the  following  characters: 

Junco  hyemalis:  General  plumage,  slate  gray;  the  head  darker, 
sometimes  blackish  in  front  and  again  often  tinged  with  brownish 
in  immature  females;  belly  and  outer  tail  feathers,  white;  sides  (in 
adult),  gray  like  the  chest;  bill,  pinkish  white.  Immature  birds 
have  the  upper  part,  throat  and  breas-t  streaked  with  blackish. 

Wing,  2.95  to  3.20;   tail,  2.70  to  2.90;    bill,  .46  to  .52  in. 


598     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Junco  hyemalis  montanus:  General  appearance  of  /.  hyemalis,  but 
differs  in  having  the  sides  distinctly  pinkish  brown,  the  color  well 
defined,  and  the  entire  head,  neck  and  chest,  slate-gray. 

Junco  oregonus  shufeldti:  Similar  to  /.  h.  montanus,  but  differs  in 
having  the  head,  neck  and  chest  black  or  blackish;  sides,  pinkish 
brown  or  vinaceous  as  in  montanus. 


263.     Junco  hyemalis  (LiNN.). 
SLATE-COLORED  JUNCO.     SNOWBIRD. 

Distr.:  Occurs  nearly  throughout  the  whole  of  North  America, 
but  chiefly  east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains,  south  to  Florida,  the  Gulf 
coast,  Texas,  and  California  in  winter;  breeds  from  the  mountains  of 
New  England,  northern  Wisconsin  and  Minnesota  northward. 

The  Junco  is  an  abundant  migrant  and  a  more  or  less  common 
winter  resident  throughout  Illinois.  Although  it  does  not  breed  in 

Illinois,  stragglers  are  occasionally 

^^•R§*^  observed  late  in  the  spring.     Prof. 

^S^I^MH  ^^k  S.  A.  Forbes  procured  a  specimen 

^l3SiBi  near  Elizabethtown,  Hardin  Coun- 

ty,   in    southern  Illinois,  June  9, 

f '!  (BPW^         l88t  (Bull>  Nutt-  Orn>  Club>  l88l) 

1  p.  180). 

In  Wisconsin  it  is  an  abundant 

r  migrant  and  a  common  winter 

resident  and  also  a  more  or  less 

common  summer  resident,  and  breeds  in  the  northern  part  of  the 
state.  Mr.  John  F.  Ferry  procured  three  nests  of  this  species,  two 
containing  four  eggs  and  the  third  containing  a  young  bird  and  two 
eggs,  near  Woodruff,  Vilas  County,  during  the  last  week  in  June,  1908. 

Kumlien  &  Hollister  say:  "Nests  sparingly  in  northern  Wiscon- 
sin. Three  sets  were  taken  at  Oconto  in  May,  1882  (coll.  of  L.  K.). 
The  nests  were  placed  on  the  ground  among  spagnum  moss.  Dr. 
Hoy  mentions  its  breeding  on  the  shores  of  Lake  Superior.  In  rare 
instances  the  junco  breeds  in  southern  Wisconsin.  Young  barely 
able  to  fly  have  been  taken  near  Jefferson,  which  is  the  most  southern 
point  for  which  we  have  any  record,  and  this  must  be  taken  as  an  ex- 
ceptional case."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  100.) 

The  nest  is  placed  on  the  ground,  composed  of  grass  and  often 
lined  with  animal  hair.  The  eggs  are  from  4  to  5 ,  greenish  white  and 
spotted  and  blotched  with  brown.  Size  about  .75  x  .58  in. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  599 

264.     Junco  hyemalis  montanus  (RIDGWAY). 
MONTANA  JUNCO. 

Distr.:  Rocky  Mountain  region,  from  Alberta  to  western  Texas 
and  northern  Mexico,  breeding  from  northern  Idaho  and  northwest- 
ern Montana  north  to  Alberta;  accidental  in  Illinois,  Wisconsin, 
Indiana,  Michigan,  etc. 

Similar  to  Shufeldt's  Junco,  but  the  adults  with  head,  neck  and 
chest  slate-gray  instead  of  black ;  the  pale  pinkish  brown  or  vinaceous 
color  on  the  sides  will  distinguish  it  from  the  adult  Slate-colored 
Junco. 

This  species,  like  the  preceding,  is  an  accidental  straggler  in 
Illinois  and  Wisconsin.  The  records  are  as  follows: 

A  specimen  was  killed  by  Mr.  H.  K.  Coale  in  Chicago,  Oct.  14, 
1875;  identified  by  Mr.  Nelson  as  Junco  oregonus  (Bull.  Nutt.  Orn. 
Club,  Vol.  II,  1877, p.  82);  now  referred  to  as  montanus  by  Mr.  Ridg- 
way  (Birds  of  North  and  Middle  Am.,  1901,  p.  290). 

A  specimen  was  killed  by  Mr.  F.  S.  Dayton  on  October  21,  1898, 
west  of  North  Evanston,  111.  The  identification  was  confirmed  by  Mr. 
Ridgway  (F.  M.  Woodruff,  Birds  of  the  Chicago  Area,  1907,  p.  141). 
The  bird  is  now  in  the  collection  of  the  Chicago  Academy  of  Sciences. 

Regarding  its  occurrence  in  Wisconsin,  Kumlien  &  Hollister  write: 
"A  single  female  of  this  species  was  taken  at  Delevan,  October  23, 
1898,-  and  is  now  in  the  Hollister  collection.  Mr.  Wm.  Brewster, 
who  has  kindly  examined  the  skin,  writes:  'This  bird  matches  per- 
fectly a  specimen  in  my  collection  from  Illinois  identified  by  Mr. 
Ridgway  as  typical  montanus.'  Doubtless  occurs  as  a  straggling 
migrant  anywhere  in  southern  Wisconsin.  The  various  old  records 
of  Junco  oregonus,  J.  o.  shufeldti,  J.  h.  connectens,  etc.,  probably 
belong  here."  (Birds  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  101.) 

White- winged  Junco,  Junco  aikeni  Ridgw.  In  the  Auk  for 
January,  1885,  page  32,  Prof.  W.  W.  Cooke  recorded  a  bird  of  this 
species  taken  in  Jefferson,  Wisconsin,  but  according  to  Kumlien  & 
Hollister  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903  p.  133)  Mr.  Cooke  now  considers 
the  record  untrustworthy. 

265.     Junco  oregonus  shufeldti  (COALE). 
SHUFELDT'S  JUNCO. 

Junco  hyemahs  shufeldti  Coale,  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  235. 

Distr.:    Ranges  from  Montana,  Wyoming   and  Colorado  west  to 

Nevada  and  Oregon,  north  to  British  Columbia,  and  south  to  Texas 


6oo     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

and  northern  Mexico;  breeds  from  Idaho  and  Oregon  northward, 
accidental  in  Illinois. 

Special  characters:  General  appearance  of  the  Slate-colored  Junco, 
J.  hyemalis,  but  differs  in  having  the  sides  pale  pinkish  brown,  the 
back  browner  and  the  head,  neck  and  chest  black  or  blackish,  not 
grayish  or  slate  color. 

Shufeldt's  Junco  must  be  considered  an  accidental  straggler  in 
Illinois.  There  is  a  specimen  of  this  form  in  the  Field  Museum  col- 
lection (No.  4959),  an  adult  male  taken  by  Mr.  H.  K.  Coale  at  Wauke- 
gan,  111.,  February  20,  1887. 

Mr.  Wm.  E.  Praeger  states:  "On  the  i6th  of  December,  1892,  1 
shot  a  specimen  of  Junco  hyemalis  shufeldti  on  the  Illinois  shore  just 
opposite  this  city  (Keokuk,  Iowa).  It  was  with  several  other  Juncos, 
all  as  far  as  I  could  tell  of  the  common  variety."  (The  Auk,  1895,  p. 

85-) 

Mr.  A  .W.  Butler  (Birds  of  Indiana,  1897,  p.  965)  records  a  speci- 
men taken  at  West  Lafayette,  Indiana,  January  20,  1891. 


Genus  AIMOPHILA  Swainson. 

266.     Aimophila  aestivalis  bachmanii  (Aun.). 

BACHMAN'S  SPARROW. 

Peuccea  cestivalis  bachmanii  (Auo.) ,  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  239. 

Distr.:  Southeastern  United  States,  from  southern  Iowa  and 
central  Illinois  south  to  Texas  and  the  Gulf,  and  east  to  the  Atlantic 
coast;  from  Maryland  southward;  breeds  nearly  throughout  its 
range,  except  in  Florida. 

Adult:  Whole  of  upper  plumage,  chestnut  rufous,  the  feathers 
edged  with  ash  gray,  forming  irregular  streaks;  a  grayish  buff  super- 
ciliary line;  edge  of  wing  at  carpal  joint,  yellow;  middle  of  belly, 
whitish ;  breast  and  sides  of  body,  dull  brownish  ash ;  no  streaks  on 
under  parts  except  occasionally  on  sides  of  breast ;  tail,  much  rounded, 
the  outer  feathers  being  half  an  inch  or  more  shorter  than  the  middle 
feathers. 

Sexes  similar. 

Length,  about  5.85 ;  wing,  2.50;     tail,  2.55;  bill,  .44. 

Bachman's  Sparrow  occurs  in  Illinois,  in  the  southern  and  cen- 
tral portion  of  the  state,  but  has  not  been  recorded  from  northern 
Illinois  or  Wisconsin.  Ridgway  states:  "Bachman's  Sparrow  first 
came  under  my  observation  early  in  June,  1871,  when  several  were 
seen  and  others  heard  about  half  way  between  Mount  Carmel  and 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  601 

Olney,  the  former  in  Wabash,  the  latter  in  Richland  county,  Illinois." 
(Orn.  of  111.,  1889,  p.  281.)  Mr.  Nelson  gives  it  as  "common  locally 
in  Wabash,  Richland,  and  adjoining  counties"  (Birds  N.  E.  111.,  1876, 
p.  151),  and  Mr.  O.  C.  Poling  shot  three  birds  of  this  species  in  an 
apple  orchard  at  Quincy,  111.,  in  May,  1887.  (The  Auk,  1890,  p.  242.) 

Mr.  Isaac  E.  Hess  found  a  nest  and  four  eggs  of  this  species  at 
Philo,  111.,  Champaign  Co.,  on  May  26,  1896  (Nidologist,  Vol  IV, 
1897,  p.  45). 

The  nest  is  made  of  grass  and  is  built  on  the  ground.  The  eggs 
are  from  3  to  5,  pure  white  or  pale  bluish  white,  and  measure  about 
.74  x  .60  inches. 

Genus   MELOSPIZA   Baird. 

267.     Melospiza  melodia  (WILSON). 

SONG  SPARROW. 

Melospiza  fasciata  (GMEL.),  A.  O.  XI.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  241. 

Distr.:  United  States  and  British  Provinces,  east  of  the  Rocky 
Mountains;  breeds  from  Kansas,  southern  Illinois  and  South  Caro- 
lina northward. 

Adult:  Crown,  dark  rufous  chestnut,  streaked  with  gray  in  the 
centre;  a  gray  superciliary  line  and  a  post-ocular  line  of  chestnut; 


Song  Sparrow. 


back,  streaked  with  dark  brown,  dull  chestnut  and  grayish;  throat, 
whitish,  heavily  streaked  with  blackish  brown  on  the  sides;  breast, 
buffy  white  or  grayish  white,  streaked  with  dark  brown,  often  run- 


602     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

ning  together  and  forming  what  appears  to  be  a  dark  patch  (notice- 
able in  the  living  bird  when  seen  at  a  short  distance) ;  sides  of  body, 
streaked  with  dark  brown  and  pale  rufous  brown;  middle  of  belly, 
white;  middle  tail  feathers,  tinged  with  dull  rufous  brown;  rest  of 
tail  feathers,  grayish  brown,  more  or  less  faintly  edged  with  rufous. 

Length,  about  6.10;  wing,  2.65;  tail,  3;  bill,  .38. 

The  Song  Sparrow  is  an  abundant  summer  resident  in  Illinois 
and  Wisconsin,  and  a  not  uncommon  winter  resident  in  southern 
Illinois.  The  majority  arrive  from  the  south  in  March  and  leave 
again  in  October,  although  specimens  have  occasionally  been  taken 
as  far  north  as  southern  Wisconsin  in  mid-winter. 

The  song  is  loud  and  pleasing  but  two  varied  to  be  properly  de- 
scribed. The  more  common  form  begins  with  a  clear  note,  repeated 
three  times,  and  followed  by  a  complicated  warbling  trill. 

The  nest  is  built  on  the  ground  or  in  low  bushes  and  is  made  of 
dry  grass,  shreds  of  bark,  etc.  It  breeds  from  May  until  July.  The 
eggs  are  4  to  5  in  number,  pale  bluish  white  or  dull  white,  thickly 
marked  and  spotted  with  rufous  brown;  size  about  .78  x  .59  inches. 
The  following  records  are  selected  from  Sets  of  eggs  in  the  collection 
of  the  Field  Museum  of  Natural  History:  4  eggs,  Joliet.  111.,  May  3, 
1906;  4  eggs,  Joliet,  111.,  May  7,  1906;  4  eggs,  Fox  Lake,  111.,  June 
8,  1907;  5  eggs,  Milton,  Wisconsin,  July  9,  1895. 

268.     Melospiza  lincolnii  (Auo.). 
LINCOLN'S  SPARROW. 

Distr.:  "  North  America  at  large,  breeding  chiefly  north  of  the 
United  States  (as  far  north  as  Fort  Yukon)  and  in  the  higher  parts 
of  the  Rocky  Mountains  and  Sierra  Nevada;  south,  in  winter,  to 
Panama."  (A.  O.  U.) 

Adult:  Crown,  chestnut  brown,  streaked  with  black  and  with 
a  grayish  stripe  through  the  centre,  partially  obscured  by  the  black 

streaks;  a  gray  stripe  over  the  eye; 
a  post-ocular  black  streak  and  an- 
other black  streak  from  the  lower 
mandible,  the  latter  often  not  clearly 
denned;  back,  grayish  olive  brown, 
streaked  with  black ;  the  inner  second- 
aries and  some  of  the  wing  coverts 
edged  with  pale  rufous;  primaries, 
grayish  brown,  faintly  edged  with  a 
dull  rufous  brown;  middle  of  throat, 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  603 

white,  streaked  with  black;  sides  of  throat  and  breast,  .tawny  buff, 
with  narrow  black  streaks ;  sides  of  body  pale,  brownish  buff,  streaked 
with  black;  belly,  white.  The  amount  of  buff  and  white  on  the 
under  parts  is  variable,  but  the  tawny  buff  pectoral  band  is  a  good 
diagnostic  character. 

Sexes  similar. 

Length,  5.70;  wing,  2.50;  tail,  2.45;  bill,  .37. 

Lincoln's  Sparrow  is  a  not  uncommon  migrant  in  parts  of  Illinois 
and  Wisconsin,  and  a  winter  resident  in  southern  Illinois.  It  is  an 
occasional  summer  resident  in  northern  Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  and 
has  been  known  to  breed. 

Mr.  E.  W.  Nelson  writes:  "Common  during  the  migrations  from 
May  8  to  20  and  Sept.  20  to  Oct.  i5th.  Have  seen  several  speci- 
mens during  the  breeding  season,  and  the  last  of  May,  1875,  as  I  was 
walking  through  a  patch  of  weeds,  a  female  started  from  a  few  feet 
in  advance  of  me,  while  my  attention  was  attracted  in  another  di- 
rection and  ran  off  with  half-spread  wings.  It  was  shot  and  showed 
unmistakable  signs  of  incubation,  but  a  protracted  search  failed  to 
reveal  the  nest.  Specimens  were  taken  in  July,  1875,  near  Waukegan 
by  Mr.  Rice."  (Birds  of  N.  E.  111.,  1876,  p.  109.) 

Mr.  Ridgway  states:  "Instead  of  being  the  rare  bird  that  it  is 
commonly  supposed  to  be,  Lincoln's  Sparrow  is  at  times  almost  as 
numerous  as  the  Swamp  Sparrow;  and  the  fact  that  it  associates 
freely  with  the  latter  species,  which  it  closely  resembles  in  habits 
and  general  appearance,  may  in  a  measure  account  for  its  supposed 
scarcity.  In  the  southern  part  of  the  State  a  greater  or  less  number 
usually  pass  the  winter  in  company  with  M.  georgiana,  in  the  dense 
brushwood  and  rank  dead  herbage  of  swamps  and  marshes,  in  the 
bottom  lands."  (Orn.  of  111.,  1889,  p.  285.) 

Mr.  Frank  M.  Woodruff  says:  "A  rare  summer  resident  and  a  not 
uncommon  spring  and  fall  migrant.  Mr.  Geo.  K.  Cherrie  obtained 
a  young  bird  just  out  of  the  nest  at  Worth,  Illinois,  on  June  30,  1896, 
and  on  July  16,  1896,  Mr.  Cherrie  and  Mr.  J.  Graf  ton  Parker,  Jr., 
obtained  an  adult  and  a  nestling  near  Lake  Calumet."  (Birds  of 
the  Chicago  Area,  1907,  p.  143). 

Cook  (Bird  Migration  Miss.  Valley,  1888,  p.  209)  states:  "Breeds 
but  sparingly  in  the  United  States.  For  a  long  time  Racine,  Wis., 
was  the  southernmost  point  at  which  it  was  known  to  nest,  but 
recently  nests  have  been  found  in  northern  Illinois." 

In  Wisconsin  Dr.  Hoy  found  it  nesting  near  Racine  (1852). 
Kumlien  &  Hollister  write:  "A  somewhat  irregularly  distributed 
species,  even  during  the  migrations.  Nowhere  very  abundant,  but 


604     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

occurs  more  plentifully  than  generally  supposed.  Mr.  Clark  calls  it 
an  irregular  migrant  in  small  numbers  in  Dunn  County.  Dr.  Hoy 
did  not  consider  it  rare  about  Racine  and  stated  that  a  few  nested. 
Dr.  Ogden  reports  it  rather  plenty  at  Milwaukee.  A  regular  migrant 
at  Lake  Koshkonong,  especially  in  spring  and  sometimes  a  summer 
resident,  though  no  nests  have  been  found.  Appears  to  be  rather  rare 
at  Delavan  and  not  noted,  as  yet,  except  in  spring."  (Birds  of  Wis- 
consin, 1903,  p.  101). 

The  nest  is  on  the  ground,  composed  of  grass  and  shreds  of  bark 
and  occasionally  lined  with  hair.  The  eggs  are  from  4  to  5,  pale 
greenish  or  buff  white,  marked  and  spotted  with  rufous  brown  and 
lilac  brown,  and  measure  about  .78  x  .60  inches. 

269.     Melospiza  georgiana  (LATH.). 

SWAMP  SPARROW. 

Distr.:  Eastern  North  America,  from  the  Plains  to  the  Atlantic 
coast,  south  in  winter  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico;  breeds  from  Iowa, 
northern  Illinois  and  Ohio  northward  to  Athabaska  and  Labrador, 
accidental  in  Utah. 

Adult  in  summer:  Crown,  bright  chestnut,  becoming  blackish 
on  the  forehead,  usually  with  narrow  black  streaks  and  an  irregular 
median  line  of  ashy  (these  streaks  occasionally  absent),  an  ashy  gray 
superciliary  line  and  a  dusky  post-ocular  stripe,  a  dusky  maxillary 
streak  often  imperfect;  nape  with  more  or  less  ashy;  back,  streaked 
with  black,  buff,  and  rufous  chestnut;  primaries,  secondaries  and 
coverts,  edged  with  chestnut  rufous,  giving  a  general  rufous  brown 
appearance  to  the  wing  when  closed;  throat  and  belly,  whitish;  breast, 
ashy;  sides  of  body  tinged  with  olive  buff;  tail,  brown,  narrowly 
edged  with  rufous  brown  on  outer  webs. 

Adult  and  immature  in  fall  and  winter:  Similar,  but  differs  in 
having  the  crown  deep  chestnut,  heavily  streaked  with  black,  and 
the  median  line  dull  olive  gray;  nape  showing  scarcely  any  gray; 
breast  and  sides  tinged  with  brown,  especially  on  the  flanks. 

Length,  about  5.75;   wing,  2.40;   tail,  2.40;   bill,  .40. 

The  Swamp  Sparrow  is  a  common  summer  resident  in  Illinois  and 
Wisconsin  and  a  winter  resident  in  southern  Illinois.  It  arrives  from 
the  south  late  in  March  and  leaves  again  in  October.  While  not  as 
often  heard  as  that  of  many  of  our  Sparrows,  the  song  is  sweet  and 
musical.  It  has  a  delightful  little  trill,  most  often  heard  in  the  spring 
and  occasionally  a  soft  warble. 

The  nest  is  built  on  the  ground  and  is  composed  of  dry  grass  and 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  605 

shreds  of  bark.  The  eggs  are  4  to  5,  dull  greenish  white  or  bluish 
green,  thickly  and  heavily  marked  with  brown,  and  measure  about 
.76  x  .56  inches. 

Genus  PASSERELLA  Swainson. 
270.     Passerella  iliaca  (MERR.). 
Fox  SPARROW. 

Distr.:  Eastern  North  America,  from  the  Plains  to  the  Atlantic 
coast,  south  in  winter  to  Texas  and  the  Gulf  states,  accidental  in 
California;  breeds  chiefly  north  of  the  United  States,  from  northern 
Manitoba  to  Alaska  and  from  northern  Maine  to  Labrador. 

Adult:  General  color  above,  rusty  brown,  mixed  with  gray,  the 
back  showing  imperfect  streaks  of  rusty;  tail  and  tail  coverts,  rufous 

brown,  the  latter  often  with  narrow 
X  pale  edgings;   under  parts,  white, 

more  or  less  heavily  and  irregularly 
gjjjjjil^ll,,         marked,  except  on  the  belly  and 
crissum,  with  rusty  brown;   wings 
appear  rufous  brown  when  closed, 
caused  by  the  slaty  brown  feathers 
being  heavily  margined  with  that 
color;    greater    and    middle    wing 
coverts,  more  or  less  faintly  tipped 
with  white  (absent  in  immature  birds) ;   upper  mandible,  dark;   lower 
mandible,  yellow,  except  at  tip. 
Sexes  similar. 

Length,  about  7;  wing,  3.45;  tail,  3.10;  bill,  .43. 
The  Fox  Sparrow  is  common  during  the  migrations  in  Illinois 
and  Wisconsin  and  is  a  winter  resident  in  southern  Illinois.  '  Fre- 
quents thickets  and  shrubbery,  and  is  rather  retiring  in  its  habits. 
It  has  a  charming  song,  perhaps,  unsurpassed  by  any  of  our  sparrows. 
Its  loud,  clear  whistling  notes,  however,  are  so  varied  as  to  make 
any  attempt  at  description  unsatisfactory. 

Genus  PIPILO   Vieill. 
271.     Pipilo  erythrophthalmus  (LiNN.). 

TOWHEE.       TOWHEE    BUNTING. 

Distr'.:  "  Eastern  United  States  and  southern  Canada,  west  to  the 
Plains,  breeding  from  the  lower  Mississippi  Valley  and  Georgia  north- 
ward; in  winter  from  the  middle  districts  southward."  (A.  O.  U.) 


606     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Adult  male:    Whole  head,  throat  and  back,  black  (occasionally 
the  feathers  of  the  back  with  narrow  rufous  brown  edgings);   belly. 


white;  sides  of  body  and  flanks,  rufous  chestnut;  crissum,  tawny 
brown;  primaries  and  inner  secondaries,  black,  marked  with  white 
on  outer  webs,  forming  a  conspicuous  white  patch;  tail,  black,  the 
three  outer  tajl  feathers,  broadly  tipped  with  white,  the  outer  feather 
with  about  the  terminal  third  of  inner  web,  white,  the  white  patch 
decreasing  in  size  on  the  second  and  third;  iris,  red;  bill,  black. 

Adult  female:  General  markings  as  in  the  male,  but  differs  in 
having  the  head,  throat,  back,  wings  and  tail,  grayish  brown,  often 
with  a  faint  tinge  of  olive. 

Very  young  birds  in  first  plumage  have  the  back  and  under  parts 
streaked  with  dusky. 

Length,  about  8;  wing,  3.30;  tail,  3.60;  bill,  .50. 

The  Towhee  Bunting  is  a  common  summer  resident  in  Illinois 
and  Wisconsin,  frequenting  the  hedges  and  thickets,  from  April  until 
October  (earliest  Chicago  record,  March  16).  The  characteristic  note 
of  this  species  is  a  loud,  clear  chee-we  or  che-wink. 

It  breeds  from  the  latter  part  of  April  until  July.  The  nest  is 
built  on  or  near  the  ground  and  is  composed  of  leaves,  strips  and 
shreds  of  bark,  etc.,  and  lined  with  fine  grass.  The  eggs  are  from 
3  to  5,  white  or  pinkish  white  or  buff  white,  speckled  all  over  with 
brown,  occasionally  showing  a  few  blotches  at  the  larger  end;  size 
about  .95  x  .71  inches. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  607 

272.     Pipilo  maculatus  arcticus  (SWAINSON). 
ARCTIC  TOWHEE. 

Distr.:  "Plains  of  the  Platte,  Upper  Missouri,  Yellowstone  and 
Saskatchewan  Rivers,  west  to  the  eastern  slope  of  the  Rocky  Moun- 
tains, south  in  winter  to  Kansas,  Colorado  and  Texas."  (A.  O.  U.) 

The  Arctic  Towhee  resembles  the  common  Towhee,  P.  erythroph- 
thalmus,  but  differs  from  it  in  having  the  upper  plumage  dull  black 
(not  clear  black),  tinged  with  olive  on  the  rump,  and  the  scapulars 
and  interscapulars  marked  and  streaked  with  white.  The  female  has 
the  upper  plumage  dusky  brown,  more  or  less  tinged  with  olive  and 
the  forehead  tinged  with  gray;  feathers  of  the  back  (interscapulary 
region)  edged  with  more  or  less  white. 

Length,  about  8.15;  wing,  3.40;  tail,  3.65;  bill,  .50. 

The  Arctic  Towhee  is  an  accidental  straggler  in  Illinois  and  Wis- 
consin. In  a  foot-note  in  his  Birds  of  Northeastern  Illinois,  p.  no, 
Mr.  Nelson  states:  "Through  Dr.  Hoy  I  learn  that  two  specimens  of 
P.  arcticus  have  been  taken  in  Wisconsin,  one  near  Milwaukee,  where 
it  is  now  preserved,  and  a  second  opposite  Dubuque,  Iowa.  He 
has  seen  both  specimens  and  is  positive  of  their  identity." 

Another  specimen  is  recorded  by  Mr.  Frank  M.  Woodruff,  who 
writes:  "The  only  record  that  I  have  found  of  the  taking  of  the 
Arctic  Towhee  within  our  limits  is  that  of  Mr.  F.  S.  Dayton,  who 
shot  one  of  these  birds  in  the  woods  west  of  North  Evanston,  Illinois, 
on  October  24,  1898,  near  the  same  locality  where  he  obtained  speci- 
mens of  Junco  montanus  three  days  before.  The  specimen  is  in  the 
collection  of  the  Chicago  Academy  of  Sciences,  having  been  donated 
by  Mr.  Dayton.  It  is  the  skin  of  a  typical  adult  male."  (Birds  of 
the  Chicago  Area,  1907,  p.  144.) 

Kumlien  &  Hollister  state:  "One  specimen,  an  adult  male,  has 
been  shot  (by  L.  K.)  in  Jefferson  County.  This  specimen  was  sent 
to  Prof.  Sundevall  and  the  record  can  not  be  found  at  present. 
There  was  also  a  specimen  —  formerly  preserved  in  the  old  Wiscon- 
sin Natural  History  Society  collection  —  which  was  taken  near  Mil- 
waukee about  1867  or  1868.  One  was  noted  by  Dr.  Hoy  in  a  col- 
lection of  birds  at  Dubuque,  Iowa,  which  had  been  taken  on  the  Wis- 
consin side  of  the  river."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  102). 


608     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Genus  CARDINALIS  Bonap. 
273.     Cardinalis  cardinalis  (LiNN.). 
CARDINAL.      CARDINAL  GROSBEAK. 

Distr.:  Eastern  United  States,  from  the  Plains  to  the  Gulf  of 
Mexico  and  Atlantic  coast,  north  to  southern  New  York,  southern 
Wisconsin  and  southern  Minnesota;  breeding  throughout  its  range. 
Resident  in  Bermuda;  accidental  in  Maine,  New  Brunswick  and 
Colorado. 


Cardinal  (male). 

Adult  male:  General  plumage,  bright  red;  head  with  elongated 
crown  feathers  forming  a  crest;  throat  and  face,  including  area  around 
the  base  of  the  bill,  black;  feathers  of  the  back,  tinged  with  olive 
gray;  bill,  red. 

Adult  female  and  immature  male:  Crest,  wings  and  tail,  tinged 
with  dull  red;  throat  and  face,  dusky;  back,  ashy  olive  brown; 
under  parts,  pale  buff,  whitening  on  the  belly;  breast,  more  brownish 
and  often  tinged  with  red;  under  surface  of  wing,  bright  rosy  red. 

Length,  8.50;  wing,  3.60;  tail,  4.25;   bill,  .60. 

The  Cardinal  is  a  very  common  permanent  resident  in  southern 
Illinois,  and  a  rather  uncommon  summer  resident  in  northern  Il- 
linois and  Wisconsin. 

Nelson  considered  it  "a  rare  and  irregular  summer  resident"  in 
northeastern  Illinois  in  1876.  Mr.  Frank  M.  Woodruff  writes:  "Some 
years  ago  I  found  a  nest  of  the  Cardinal  at  River  Forest,  Illinois. 
Mr.  O.  M.  Schantz  informs  me  that  in  the  year  1904  there  were  two 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  609 

pairs  nesting  at  Riverside,  Illinois,  and  that  they  arrived  in  that 
locality  on  the  iyth  of  April."  (Birds  of  the  Chicago  Area,  1907,  p. 
145.)  Mr.  Otto  C.  Poling  found  it  "an  abundant  resident"  in  the 
vicinity  of  Quincy,  Adams  County,  Illinois.  (The  Auk,  1890,  p.  243). 

In  Wisconsin  it  is  rare.  Dr.  Hoy  (1852)  states  that  a  few  speci- 
mens formerly  nested  near  Racine.  Messrs.  Kumlien  &  Hollister 
(Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  102)  record  three  specimens  from  the 
vicinity  of  Milwaukee  and  one  or  two  others  which  they  suppose 
might  have  been  escaped  cage  birds. 

The  nest  is  a  comparatively  small  structure  of  rootlets,  shreds 
of  bark,  etc.,  built  in  a  low  tree  or  bush.  The  eggs  are  3  or  4,  variable 
in  color,  white  or  buff  white  or  greenish  white,  marked,  spotted  and 
speckled  with  various  shades. of  brown  and  lilac  gray,  and  measure 
about  i  x  .74  inches.  There  is  a  set  of  three  eggs  in  the  Field  Museum 
collection,  taken  at  Poland,  Ohio,  May  19,  1891. 


Genus  ZAMELODIA  Coues. 
274.     Zamelodia  ludoviciana  (LINN.). 
ROSE-BREASTED  GROSBEAK. 

Habia  ludoviciana  (LiNN.),  A  .O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  250. 

Distr.:  "Eastern  North  America,  and  southern  Canada,  west  to 
Athabaska  and  Saskatchewan,  south  in  winter  to  Central  and  north- 
ern South  America;  breeds  from  North  Carolina,  Ohio,  Illinois  and 
Nebraska  northward. 

Adult  male:  Whole  head,  throat  and  back,  black ;  breast  and  under 
wing  coverts,  brilliant  rosy  red,  rest  of  under  parts,  white;  wings, 


Rose-breasted  Grosbeak  (male). 


6io     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

wing  coverts  and  tail,  black,  more  or  less  marked  with  white; 
the  primaries  and  outer  tail  feathers,  heavily  marked  with  white; 
rump,  white;  upper  tail  coverts,  black,  tipped  with  white;  bill, 
brownish  white. 

Adult  female:  Under  wing,  coverts,  'bright  saffron-yellow ;  upper 
parts,  grayish  brown,  streaked  with  dusky  brown  and  more  or  less 
tinged  with  olive  brown  on  the  rump;  crown  and  sides  of  head,  dark 
grayish  brown,  a  whitish  streak  in  centre  of  crown  and  a  white  super- 
ciliary stripe;  wings  and  tail,  grayish  brown;  wing  coverts,  tipped 
with  white;  throat,  breast  and  sides  of  body,  tinged  with  pale  buff 
and  streaked  with  dusky;  belly,  whitish. 

Length,  about  8;  wing,  4;  tail,  3;  bill,  .65. 

This  beautiful  species  is  a  common  summer  resident  in  northern 
Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  and  occurs  during  migrations  in  southern 
Illinois.  It  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  of  our  birds  and  of  special 
value  to  the  agriculturist  as,  besides  other  insects,  it  eats  the  potato 
beetle.  The  male  is  one  of  our  most  gifted  songsters,  its  delight- 
ful warble  being  varied  and  very  sweet. 

It  breeds  in  May  and  June.  The  nest  is  in  bushes  or  low  trees 
and  is  composed  of  rootlets  and  dry  stalks  of  weeds,  etc.  The  eggs 
are  from  3  to  4,  rarely  5,  pale  greenish  blue  or  bluish  green,  marked 
and  speckled  with  various  shades  of  brown,  and  measure  about  .96 
x  .67  inches. 

Genus  GUIRACA  Swainson. 
275.     Guiraca  caerulea  (LiNN.). 

BLUE  GROSBEAK. 

Distr.:  Eastern  United  States,  southern  Illinois,  Nebraska  and 
southern  New  Jersey  to  Florida  and  the  Gulf  states,  south  in  winter 
to  Cuba  and  eastern  Mexico  (Yucatan) ;  breeds  throughout  its 
United  States  range. 

Adult  male:  General  plumage,  dark  blue;  chin  and  region  about 
base  of  bill,  black;  wings  and  tail,  blackish  brown;  middle  and 
greater  wing  coverts,  tipped  with  chestnut,  forming  wing  bars. 
(In  assuming  adult  plumage  the  feathers  of  the  back  are  edged  with 
chestnut,  and  the  feathers  of  under  parts  narrowly  edged  with 
whitish) . 

Adult  female:  Upper  parts,  brown,  the  head,  clear  brown,  shading 
to  grayish  brown  on  the  rump;  under  parts,  buffy  brown,  palest  on 
throat  and  belly;  wing  and  tail,  grayish  brown,  the  greater  and 
middle  wing  coverts,  edged  and  tipped  with  tawny  brown. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


611 


Immature  males  at  first  resemble  the  female,  but  later  assume  a 
mixed  plumage  of  brown  and  blue. 

Length,  6.60;  wing,  3.40;  tail,  2.80;  bill,  .63. 

The  Blue  Grosbeak  occurs  in  southern  Illinois  and  is  an  accidental 
straggler  in  Wisconsin.  Both  Ridgway  and  Nelson  state  that  it  is 


Blue  Grosbeak. 

a  rare  bird  in  Illinois,  even  in  the  southern  half  of  the  state,  but  give 
no  definite  records  of  its  capture.  W.  W.  Cooke  says:  "In  its  mi- 
gration it  reaches  southern  Illinois  and  southern  Nebraska."  (Bird 
Migration  Miss.  Valley,  1888,  p.  218.) 

Kumlien  &  Hollister  state:  "A  rare  straggler  in  Wisconsin. 
Thure  Kumlien  captured  a  pair  near  Lake  Koshkonong  in  June,  1860. 
It  was  also  taken  at  least  once  by  Dr.  Hoy  and  there  was  also  a 
Milwaukee  specimen,  which  seems  to  have  entirely  disappeared." 
(Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  102.) 


Genus  PASSERINA  Vieillot. 
276.     Passerina  cyanea  (LiNN.). 
INDIGO  BUNTING.     INDIGO    BIRD. 

Distr.:  Eastern  United  States,  from  Kansas  and  Nebraska  east- 
ward, north  to  Minnesota,  Ontario  and  Quebec,  and  south  in  winter 
to  Cuba  and  Central  America  to  Panama;  breeds  from  the  Gulf 
states  northward. 

Adult  male:  General  plumage,  blue;  clear  indigo-blue  on  head, 
throat  and  breast;  lighter  blue  on  back  and  with  the  blue  of  the 
flanks  tinged  with  greenish;  lores,  black;  wings  and  tail,  blackish, 
more  or  less  edged  with  greenish  blue. 


6i2     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Adult  female:  Upper  plumage,  brown;  under  parts,  grayish 
brown,  indistinctly  streaked  with  darker  brown;  throat,  brownish 
white  or  whitish. 

Immature  male:    At  first  similar  to  the  female,  but  later  mixed 
blue  and  brown ;   the  under  parts  mixed  with  whitish. 
Length,  5.50;  wing,  2.70;  tail,  2.20;  bill,  .38. 

A  common  summer  resident  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  being  es- 
pecially noticeable  on  account  of  the  brilliant  blue  plumage  of  the  male. 
It  arrives  from  the  south  in  May  and  re- 
mains until  the  latter  part  of  September 
and  sometimes  later. 

The  song  is  varied  and  sweet  but  not 
loud.'  Alexander  Wilson  in  describing  it, 
writes:  "It  mounts  to  the  highest  tops  of 
a  large  tree  and  chants  for  half  an  hour  at 
a  time.  Its  song  is  not  one  continuous 
strain,  but  a  repetition  of  short  notes, 
commencing  loud  and  rapid,  and  falling  by  almost  imperceptible 
gradations  for  six  or  eight  seconds,  till  they  seem  hardly  articulate, 
as  if  the  little  minstrel  was  quite  exhausted;  and  after  a  pause  of 
half  a  minute  or  less,  commences  again  as  before  *  *  *  His  usual 
note  when  alarmed  by  an  approach  to  his  nest,  is  a  sharp  chip,  like 
that  of  striking  two  hard  pebbles  smartly  together."  (Am.  Orn., 
1877,  p.  100.) 

The  nest  is  in  a  bush,  composed  of  grass,  leaves  and  shreds  of 
bark.  The  eggs  are  from  3  to  4,  usually  pale  bluish  white  in  color, 
but  occasinally  showing  a  few  brown  spots.  Size,  about  .73  x  .54 
inches. 

The  Field  Museum  collection  contains  a  series  of  sets  of  eggs 
taken  in  northern  Illinois  between  June  4  and  June  24. 

277.     Passerina  ciris  (LiNN.). 
PAINTED  BUNTING.      NONPAREIL. 

Distr.:  South  Atlantic  and  Gulf  states  to  western  Texas,  north 
to  North  Carolina  and  casual  or  accidental  to  southern  Illinois  and 
Kansas;  in  winter  south  through  Mexico  and  Central  America  to 
Panama. 

Adult  male:  Whole  head  (except  throat)  and  sides  of  breast, 
indigo-blue;  back  and  scapulars,  golden  green;  throat  and  under 
parts,  vermilion  red;  wings,  dark  fuscous  brown,  more  or  less  glossed 
with  green;  tail,  fuscous  brown,  faintly  washed  with  red. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.       .         613 

Adult  female:  Upper  parts,  olive  green ;  under  parts,  pale  green- 
ish yellow,  without  streaks;  tail,  dark  brown,  more  or  less  edged  with 
olive  green. 

Immature  males  in  early  stages  similar  to  the  female,  but  later 
variegated  with  colors  of  the  male. 

Length,  5.35;  wing,  2.75;  tail,  2.25;  bill,  .40. 

The  only  record  of  the  occurrence  of  this  bird  within  our  limits  is 
that  given  by  Prof.  Ridgway,  who  states  he  observed  a  female  bird 
of  this  species  in  Wabash  County,  111.,  June  10,  1871,  "under  cir- 
cumstances which  allow  of  no  doubt  as  to  correct  identification." 
(Orn.  of  111.,  1889,  p.  302.) 


Genus   SPIZA   Bonap. 
278.     Spiza  americana  (GMEL.). 
DICKCISSEL.      BLACK-THROATED  BUNTING. 

Distr.:  "Eastern  United  States  to  the  Rocky  Mountains,  breeding 
from  Texas  north  to  Massachusetts,  New  York,  southern  Ontario, 
Wisconsin,  Minnesota,  and  North  Dakota;  south  in  winter  through 
Central  America  to  northern  South  America;  southwest  in  migra- 
tions to  Arizona.  Now  rare  or  entirely  absent  east  of  the  Alle- 
ghanies."  (A.  O.  U.) 


Adult  male:  Crown,  olive  yellow,  shading  to  ashy  on  the  nape; 
sides  erf  head,  ash  gray;  chin,  white;  throat,  black,  a  yellow  super- 
ciliary line  and  maxillary  spot;  breast  and  more  or  less  of  middle 
belly,  yellow;  back  and  rump,  ashy  brown,  tinged  with  rufous  and 
streaked  with  black  on  the  interscapulary  region;  carpal  joint, 


614     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

edged  with  bright  yellow;  wings  and  tail,  fuscous  brown;  middle 
and  lesser  wing  coverts,  bright  chestnut,  forming  a  chestnut  "shoul- 
der" patch;  belly  and  crissum,  whitish;  sides  of  body,  washed  with 
gray. 

Adult  female:  Similar  to  the  male,  but  smaller  and  paler,  and  with- 
out the  black  patch  on  the  throat ;  breast  more  or  less  streaked  with 
blackish. 

Length,  about  6.60;  wing,  3.25;  tail,  2.50;  bill,  .52. 

This  species  is  a  common  summer  resident  in  Illinois  and  Wis- 
consin, arriving  from  the  south  in  May  and  breeding  throughout 
both  states.  Wherever  it  occurs  it  makes  its  presence  known,  as  it 
is  a  persistent  songster.  The  notes  are  strong  and  clear  and  may  be 
described  as  see-see,  dick-cissel,  cissel.  Prof.  Ridgway  says: 

"The  location  of  the  nest  varies  much  with  locality,  though 
probably  not  more  than  in  the  case  of  many  other  species.  At 
Mount  Carmel,  all  that  I  found  were  in  clover  fields,  and  built  upon 
or  very  close  to  the  ground.  In  Richland  County  they  were  almost 
invariably  built  in  small  clumps  of  coarse  weeds,  at  a  height  of  about 
a  foot  above  the  ground.  In  Wisconsin,  however,  according  to  Dr. 
Brewer  (Hist.  N.  Am.  B.,  Vol.  II,  p.  68),  Dr.  P.  R.  Hoy,  of  Racine, 
has  never  found  a  nest  within  one  foot  of  the  ground,  some  of  them 
being  as  elevated  as  six  feet.  Of  nineteen  nests  discovered  by  Dr. 
Hoy  during  one  season,  'ten  were  built  in  gooseberry  bushes,  four 
on  thorn  bushes,  three  among  blackberry  bushes,  one  on  a  raspberry 
bush,  and  one  on  a  wild  rose.'  "  (Orn.  of  111.,  1889,  p.  304.) 

The  nest  is  composed  of  leaves  and  grass,  often  in  meadows  and 
prairies  and  at  times  in  bushes.  The  eggs  are  4  to  5,  pale  blue  in 
color,  and  measure  about  .80  x  .60  inches. 

The  Field  Museum  collection  contains  the  following  sets  of  eggs 
taken  in  northern  Illinois  and  Wisconsin:  3  eggs,  Joliet,  111.,  May  26, 
1906;  i  egg,  Joliet,  111.,  May  28,  1906;  4  eggs,  Joliet,  111.,  June  4, 
1906;  4  eggs,  Columbus,  Wisconsin,  May  25,  1892. 


Family  TANGARID^.      Tanagers. 

The  Tanagers  number  some  300  species,  most  of  which  are  found 
in  Central  and  South  America.  They  are  arboreal,  frequenting 
wooded  localities  and  are  both  frugivorus  and  insectivorous.  Most 
of  the  males  are  highly  colored.  A  single  genus  (Piranga)  occurs 
in  eastern  North  America,  two  species  of  which  are  found  in  Illinois, 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  615 

and  a  third  has  been  recorded  from  Wisconsin.     As  a  rule  they  are 
fair,  but  not  powerful,  songsters.     The  nest  is  built  in  trees. 


Genus  PIRANGA  Vieill. 
279.     Piranga  ludoviciana  (WiLS.). 

LOUISIANA  TANAGER. 

Distr.:  Western  United  States,  from  western  Texas,  Kansas,  and 
western  Dakota  to  the  Pacific  coast,  north  to  Ontario  and  British 
Columbia,  south  in  winter  to  Guatemala;  breeds  from  western  Texas, 
New  Mexico,  and  Arizona  northward;  accidental  in  Louisiana,  Wis- 
consin, New  York,  Maine,  etc. 

Adult  male:  Head  and  throat,  red;  nape,  rump,  and  under  parts, 
yellow;  wings  and  tail,  blackish;  back,  black;  greater  and  middle 
wing  coverts,  broadly  tipped  with  yellow  or  yellowish. 


Louisiana  Tanager. 

Adult  female:  Above,  olive  green,  brightest  on  rump  and  top  of 
head;  under  parts,  olive  yellow,  palest  on  belly;  under  tail  coverts, 
yellow;  greater  and  middle  wing  coverts,  tipped  with  yellowish  white, 
forming  wing  bars. 

The  wing  bars  will  distinguish  the  female  of  this  species  from  that 
of  our  other  Tanagers. 

Length,  about  7;  wing,  3. 50  to  3.85;  tail,  2.90;  bill,  .60. 

The  only  records  of  the  occurrence  of  this  handsome  Tanager, 
either  in  Illinois  or  Wisconsin,  are  the  following  by  Messrs.  Kumlien 
&  Hollister: 


616     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

"During  the  latter  part  of  May,  1877,  Thure  Kumlien  found  this 
species  nesting  within  a  few  rods  of  the  Kumlien  homestead  in  Jeffer- 
son County.  Nest,  eggs  and  parents  were  secured,  and  are  now  pre- 
served in  the  Museum  of  the  State  University  at  Madison.  The  nest 
was  not  especially  different  from  that  'K)f  P.  erythromelas  and  was 
placed  well  out  on  a  horizontal  branch  of  a  large  white  oak.  This 
is  without  doubt  the  easternmost  breeding  record  for  the  species, 
although  stragglers  are  reported  even  from  New  England.  A  second 
male  was  procured  the  next  June  (1878) ;  and  in  July,  1891,  another, 
also  an  adult  male,  was  shot  in  the  same  locality  by  L.  Kumlien." 
(Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  103.) 

280.     Piranga  erythromelas  VIEILL. 

SCARLET  TANAGER. 

Distr.:  Eastern  United  States,  from  the  Plains  to  the  Atlantic 
coast,  north  to  Quebec,  Ontario,  and  Manitoba,  south  in  winter  to 
West  Indies,  Central  America,  and  South  America  to  Peru;  breeds 
from  Kentucky,  southern  Illinois,  and  southern  Missouri  northward. 

Adult  male:  General  plumage, 
scarlet;  wings  and  tail,  black;  under 
wing  coverts,  white. 

Adult  female:  Upper  plumage, 
olive  green;  under  parts,  greenish 
yellow;  wings  and  tail,  grayish 
brown,  faintly  edged  with  greenish; 
no  wing  bars. 

Immature   male:      Resembles    the 
female,   but   when  changing   shows    irregular  blotches    of    red    and 
green.     Adult  male  not  infrequently  shows  abnormal  coloring,  such 
as  a  different  shade  of  red  or  even  orange. 
Length,  6.80;  wing,  3.75;  tail,  2.90;  bill,  .50. 
This  beautiful  species  is  a  common  summer  resident  in  Illinois 
and  Wisconsin  from  about  the  first  of  May  until  September.     The 
song  somewhat  resembles  that  of  the  Robin,  but  is  more  shrill.     The 
male  does  not  assume  its  full  perfect  red  plumage  until  the  spring  of 
the  third  year. 

It  breeds  in  May  and  June.  The  nest  is  on  the  limb  of  a  tree,  and 
is  composed  of  grass,  flower  stems,  etc.  The  eggs  are  3  to  5,  pale 
bluish  or  greenish,  spotted  and  speckled  with  brown,  and  measure 
about  .92  x  .66  inches. 

The  Field  Museum  collection  contains  sets  of  eggs  taken  in  north- 
ern Illinois  between  May  28  and  June  14. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  617 

281.     Piranga  rubra  (LiNN.). 
SUMMER  TANAGER. 

Distr.:  "Eastern  United  States,  to  the  Plains,  north  to  southern 
New  Jersey  and  southern  Illinois,  casually  north  to  Massachusetts 
and  Ontario, 'and  accidentally  to  Nova  Scotia.  In  winter,  Cuba, 
eastern  Mexico,  Central  America,  and  northern  South  America  to 
Peru."  (A.  O.  U.) 

Adult  male:  General  plumage,  rich  rose-red;  wings  and  tail, 
fuscous  brown,  edged  with  rose-red;  bill,  pale. 

Adult  female:  Upper  plumage,  brownish  olive;  under  parts,  pale 
brownish  orange;  no  wing  bars;  under  wing  coverts,  dull  buffy 
yellow. 

Length,  7.25;  wing,  3.80;  tail,  3;  bill,  .53. 

The  Summer  Tanager  is  a  common  summer  resident  in  southern 
Illinois,  but  is  a  rare  summer  resident  in  northern  Illinois  and  Wis- 
consin. 

Kennicott  states  that  about  the  middle  of  the  last  century  it 
nested  in  Cook  County.  Prof.  Ridgway  found  it  common  and  breed- 
ing at  Mt.  Carmel,  111.  Mr.  Nelson  gives  it  as  "A  rare  summer  resi- 
dent" in  northeastern  Illinois.  Mr.  Frank  M.  Woodruff  records  a 
specimen  seen  by  Mr.  O.  M.  Schantz  at  Morton  Park,  Illinois,  in 
April,  1904.  (Birds  of  the  Chicago  Area,  1907,  p.  147.) 

Kumlien  &  Hollister  say:  "Rare,  but  evidently  a  regular  summer 
visitor  in  southern  Wisconsin.  It  has  been  taken  near  Janesville 
by  Mr.  H.  L.  Skavlem;  and  near  Albion,  twice  at  least,  by  Thure 
Kumlien.  In  the  Johnstown  woods,  between  Milton  and  Johns- 
town, it  appears  to  occur  regularly  every  summer,  we  having  seen  it 
on  a  number  of  occasions,  and  taken  specimens.  Reported  from 
Racine  by  Dr.  Hoy,  and  two  specimens  taken  near  Milwaukee,  were 
mounted  by  local  taxidermists  and  were  formerly  in  the  old  Natural 
History  Society  collection."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  204.) 


618     FIEI/D  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Family    HIRUNDINID^.      Swallows. 

Some  85  or  90  species  of  Swallows  are  known  from  different  parts 
of  the  world.  They  are  insectivorous  birds  and  therefore  migratory. 
Being  strong  flyers,  they  are  able  to  travel  great  distances  with 
surprising  swiftness.  They  usually  assemble  in  large  flocks  just 
prior  and  during  the  migrations.  The  nesting  habits  vary  with 
different  species;  some  nest  in  holes  in  trees,  others  in  banks,  while 
still  others  build  their  nests  on  rafters  in  barns  and  outbuildings. 


Genus  PROGNE  Boie. 
282.     Progne  subis  (LINN.). 

PURPLE  MARTIN. 

Distr.:  Breeds  throughout  whole  of  United  States  (except  Cali- 
fornia) and  northern  Mexico,  north  to  southern  Quebec  and  south- 
ern Athabaska  region ;  south  in  winter  to  Central  America  and  north- 
ern South  America. 

Adult  male:  Brilliant  dark  steel-blue;  wings  and  tail,  dark  fus- 
cous, tinged  with  bluish;  bill,  black. 


Purple  Martin. 


Adult  female:  Upper  plumage,  dark  steel-blue;  forehead,  gray- 
ish; throat,  breast,  and  sides,  brownish  gray,  the  feathers  edged  with 
whitish ;  middle  of  belly,  white. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  619 

Young  birds  resemble  the  adult  female.  In  changing  to  adult 
plumage  the  male  shows  irregular  patches  of  steel-blue. 

Length,  7.50;  wing,  5.75;   tail,  3.60;  bill,  .40. 

The  Purple  Martin  is  a  common  summer  resident  throughout 
Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  arriving  from  the  south  in  April. 

Breeds  in  May  and  June.  The  nest  is  in  holes  in  trees  or  about 
houses  or  in  boxes.  The  eggs  are  pure  white,  usually  from  4  to  5 
in  number,  and  measure  about  .98  x  .72  inches. 


Genus  PETROCHELIDON  Cabanis. 

283.     Petrochelidon  lunifrons  (SAY). 

CLIFF  SWALLOW. 

Distr.:  Whole  of  North  America,  north  to  Ungava  and  Alaska, 
breeding  throughout  its  North  American  range;  south  in  winter  to 
Mexico,  Central  and  South  America. 

Adult:  Forehead  white  or  brownish  white;  crown,  back  and  a 
small  patch  on  middle  of  lower  throat  and  upper  breast,  dark  steel- 
blue;  chin,  throat,  and  sides  of  the  head, 
rufous  chestnut;  shorter  upper  tail  cov- 
erts, dull  rufous  brown;  breast  and 
sides,  grayish,  tinged  with  rusty  brown, 
whitening  on  the  belly;  under  tail  coverts, 
long,  extending  to  within  half  an  inch  or 
less  of  end  of  tail  feathers. 

Sexes  similar. 
Length,  5.25;  wing,  4.40;  tail,  2.50;  bill,  .30. 
An  abundant  migrant  and  a  common  summer  resident,  arriving 
from  the  south  in  April  or  early  in  May  and   leaving  again  in  Sep- 
tember. 

The  nest  is  gourd-shaped,  composed  of  mud  and  dry  grass  and 
attached  underneath  overhanging  cliffs  or  the  eaves  of  buildings. 
The  eggs  are  4  or  5  in  number,  pure  white,  and  measure  about  .81 
x  .54  inches. 


620     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Genus   HIRUNDO   Linn. 

284.     Hirundo  erythrogastra  BODD. 

BARN  SWALLOW. 

Chelidon  erythrogastra   (Bodd.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  P-  258. 

Distr.:  Whole  of  North  America,  north  to  Ungava,  Hudson  Bay 
and  Alaska,  breeding  throughout  its  North  American  range  and  in 
northern  Mexico;  south  in  winter  throughout  Central  America,  the 
West  Indies,  and  a  considerable  portion  of  South  America. 

Adult  male:  Tail,  much  forked;  upper  plumage,  lustrous  dark 
steel-blue;  forehead  and  throat,. rufous  chestnut;  rest  of  under  parts, 


pale  brown  or  buffy  brown,  varying  in  intensity;  outer  tail  feathers, 
much  elongated;  tail,  fuscous,  tinged  with  blue,  all  but  the  central 
feathers  with  broad  white  spot  on  inner  web. 

Adult  female:    Similar,  but  duller. 

Immature  birds  have  the  tail  less  forked,  the  outer  tail  feathers 
less  elongated,  the  general  plumage  duller,  and  the  upper  parts 
tinged  with  brown. 

Length,  6  to  7.10  (varying  according  to  length  of  tail);  wing, 
4.50  to  510;  tail,  2.75  to  4.50;  bill,  .30. 

The  Barn  Swallow  is  a  common  summer  resident  in  Illinois  and 
Wisconsin,  from  May  until  September, breeding  throughout  both  states. 

The  nest  is  cup-shaped,  composed  of  mud  and  straw  and  lined 
with  feathers.  It  is  usually  built  on  rafters  of  barns,  or  when  away 
from  buildings,  attached  to  side  or  in  crevices  of  a  cliff  or  in  caves. 
The  eggs  are  3  to  5,  white,  spotted  with  various  shades  of  brown  and 
often  pale  lilac,  and  measure  about  .78  x  .54  inches. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  621 

Genus  IRIDOPROCNE  Coues. 

285.     Iridoprocne  bicolor  (ViEiLL.). 

TREE  SWALLOW.     WHITE-BELLIED  SWALLOW. 

Tachycineta  bicolor  (Vieill.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  258. 

Distr.:  Whole  of  North  America,  north  to  Ungava,  Hudson  Bay, 
and  Alaska,  south  in  winter  to  Cuba  and  Central  America;  breeds 
from  Alabama  and  Texas  northward  throughout  its  range. 

Adult  male:  Upper  plumage,  glossy  greenish  blue  or  steel-blue, 
showing  a  greenish  gloss  when  held  in  the  light;  under  parts,  white; 


Tree  Swallow. 

wings  and  tail,  blackish,  with  faint  greenish  gloss;  tail,  slightly 
emarginate,  the  outer  feathers  being  only  Y%  of  an  inch  or  less  longer 
than  the  middle  feathers.  In  fall  plumage  the  inner  secondaries 
are  edged  and  tipped  with  white. 

Adult  female:   Similar,  but  duller. 

Young  birds  in  first  plumage  on  leaving  the  nest  have  the  upper 
parts,  including  the  wings  and  tail,  slaty  gray;  under  parts,  white, 
more  or  less  washed  with  ashy;  feet,  yellow. 

Length  (adult),  about  6;   wing,  4.50  to  4.90;   tail,  2.50;   bill,  .28. 

The  Tree  Swallow  is  a  common  summer  resident  throughout 
Illinois  and  Wisconsin  from  the  latter  part  of  April  until  September. 
Late  in  August  they  congregate  in  large  flocks  preparatory  to  the 
southern  migration. 

.  The  -nest  is  usually  in  hollow  trees,  but  sometimes  in  buildings 
or  on  the  sides  of  a  cliff.  The  eggs  are  from  4  to  6,  pure  white,  and 
measure  about  .75  x  .54  inches. 


622      FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Genus  TACHYCINETA  Cabanis. 

286.     Tachycineta  thalassina  lepida  (MEARNS). 

NORTHERN  VIOLET-GREEN  SWALLOW. 

Distr.:  Western  United  States,  from  western  Nebraska  to  the 
Pacific  coast,  north  to  Alaska  and  south  to  Central  America  in  win- 
ter; breeds  from  Arizona,  New  Mexico,  and  northwestern  Texas 
northward. 

Adult  male:  Upper  parts,  rich  deep  green,  tinged  with  purple 
on  the  upper  tail  coverts;  under  parts,  white;  a  patch  of  pure  white 
on  flanks,  extending  upon  sides  of  rump. 

Adult  female:    Similar,  but  duller. 

Length,  4.75  to  5.50;  wing,  4.50;  tail,  2.20;  bill,  .25. 

The  Northern  Violet-green  Swallow  must  be  considered  an  acci- 
dental straggler  within  our  limits.  According  to  Mr.  F.  M.  Woodruff, 
a  male  bird  of  this  species  was  taken  by  Mr.  George  Clingman  at 
South  Kenwood,  Illinois,  on  May  4,  1897,  (Birds  of  the  Chicago 
Area,  1907,  p.  149). 

There  is  apparently  no  other  record  of  its  occurrence  in  Illinois 
or  Wisconsin,  but  it  is  known  to  breed  in  Nebraska,  and  has  been 
taken  in  southeastern  Dakota  (Cooke)  and  in  Minnesota  (Hatch). 


Genus  RIPARIA   Forster. 
287.     Riparia  riparia  (LINN.). 

BANK  SWALLOW. 

Clivicola  riparia  (Linn.),  A.  O  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  259. 

Distr.:  Whole  of  North  America,  south  in  winter  to  Central 
America,  the  West  Indies,  and  South  America;  breeds  from  the  Gulf 
states,  Texas,  and  Arizona  north  to  northern  Alaska,  Melville  Island, 
northern  Labrador,  and  the  far  north. 

Adult:  Upper  plumage,  grayish  brown;  a  dusky  spot  in  front  of 
the  eye ;  breast  with  a  broad  band  of  grayish  brown ;  rest  of  under 
parts,  white;  a  few  very  small  feathers  on  the  tarsus  near  base  of 
hind  toe.  In  fall  plumage  the  secondaries  are  tipped  with  white. 

In  some  cases  a  few  feathers  on  the  middle  breast  below  the 
pectoral  band  are  grayish  brown. 

Length,  about  5.10;  wing,  4;  tail,  2;  bill,  .23. 

This  species  may  be  distinguished  from  the  Rough-winged  Swal- 
low by  the  distinct  breast  band  of  grayish  brown,  the  rest  of  the 
under  parts  being  white. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  623 


Bank    Swallow. 

The  Bank  Swallow  is  a  very  common  summer  resident  in  Illinois 
and  Wisconsin  from  May  until  about  the  first  of  September. 

The  majority  breed  early  in  June.  The  nest  is  in  a  hole  in  the 
side  of  a  steep  bank.  Where  sand  banks  are  available,  they  usually 
breed  in  colonies.  The  eggs  are  from  3  to  6,  pure  white,  and  measure 
about  .69  x  .48  inches. 

Genus  STELGIDOPTERYX  Baird. 
288.     Stelgidopteryx  serripennis  (Auo.). 

ROUGH-WINGED  SWALLOW. 

Distr.:  Breeds  throughout  whole  of  United  States  (except  por- 
tions of  the  extreme  northern  border),  northern  Mexico  and  south- 
ern British  Columbia ;  south  in  winter  to  Mexico  and  Central  America 
to  Costa  Rica. 

Special   characters:     Resembles    the 
Bank  Swallow,  but  has  no  distinct  band 
on   the   breast,  the  under   parts  being 
^      brownish  gray,  gradually  shading  into 
white  on  the  lower  belly  and  under  tail 
coverts.     In  the  adult  bird,  the  edge  of 
the  outer  web  of  the  outer  primary  is 
rough,  the  feathers  being  recurved  and 
resembling  a  series  of  little  hooks. 

Length,  about  5.60;  wing,  4.20;   tail,  2.10;   bill,  .25. 

The    Rough-winged     Swallow    is    a    common    summer    resident 


624     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

throughout  Illinois  and  southern  Wisconsin  from  May  until  Septem- 
ber. In  northeastern  Illinois  it  breeds  about  Fox  Lake,  Joliet,  and 
other  localities.  Often  confused  by  the  ordinary  observer  with  the 
Bank  Swallow. 

Breeds  during  the  latter  part  of  May,  and  in  June.  The  nest  is 
usually  in  a  hole  in  a  bank,  although  at  times  in  stone  walls  or  under 
bridges.  The  eggs  are  from  3  to  6,  pure  white,  and  measure  about 
.72  x  .51  inches. 


Family   BOMBYCILLID^.      Waxwings,  etc. 

This  small  family  contains  but  two  genera  and  three  species. 
Two  of  these,  comprising  the  subfamily  Ampelinaz  or  Waxwings, 
occur  within  our  limits.  They  are  gregarious  during  migrations  and 
attract  attention  by  their  faint  whistle,  which  appears  to  be  their 
only  note.  Their  food  consists  of  fruit,  berries  and  insects,  and  they 
build  their  nests  in  trees. 


Genus  BOMBYC1LLA  Vieill. 

289.     Bombycilla  garrula  (LINN.). 

BOHEMIAN  WAXWING. 

Ampelis  garrulus  Linn.,  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  260. 
Distr.:    Northern  parts  of  northern  hemisphere;    south  in  winter 
to  Pennsylvania,  Illinois,  and  Kansas;   breeds  north  of  the  United 
States  from  about  the  latitude  of  Hudson  Bay  northward. 

A dult:  Crown  with  crest;  chin, 
throat,  and  a  narrow  frontal  streak 
extending  backward  through  the 
eye,  black;  forehead  tinged  with 
rufous  chestnut;  general  color 
above,  rich  grayish  brown;  grayish 
on  the  upper  tail  coverts;  breast, 
grayish  brown,  shading  to  grayish 
on  belly;  under  tail  coverts,  rufous 
chestnut;  most  of  the  primaries 

tipped  with  clear  yellow  or  yellow- 
Bohemian  Waxwing.  ish  white  Qn  Quter  webg)  and  tippe(} 

with  white  on  inner  webs;  secondaries  with  outer  webs,  tipped  with 
white;  primary  coverts,  tipped  with  white;  tail,  with  terminal  band 
of  yellow;  shafts  of  secondaries  and  sometimes  tail  feathers,  with 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  625 

hard,  red  elongated  tips,  resembling  bits  of  sealing-wax;  while  usually 
confined  to  the  secondaries,  these  sometimes  appear  on  some  of  the 
primaries  or  coverts. 

Immature  birds  show  pale  streaks. 

Sexes  similar. 

Length,  7.50;   wing,  4.50;   tail,  3.50;   bill,  .38. 

This  fine  species  is  an  irregular  but  occasionally  a  not  uncommon 
winter  visitant  or  resident  as  far  south  as  northern  Illinois  and  acci- 
dental in  southern  Illinois. 

Mr.  E.  W.  Nelson  states,  "Arrives  in  December  and  sometimes 
remains  until  April.  The  winter  of  1875-76  they  were  unusually 
numerous.  In  a  letter  dated  March  16,  1876,  Mr.  Charles  Douglass, 
of  Waukegan,  describes  an  immense  flock  of  these  birds  which  he 
observed  the  day  previous,  upon  the  lake  shore  near  the  town." 
(Birds  of  N.  E.  111.,  1876,  p.  103.)  Mr.  Frank  M.  Woodruff  writes: 
"On  January  i,  1896,  I  obtained  a  fine  pair  at  Lake  Forest,  Illinois, 
and  saw  about  twenty  more."  Mr.  John  F.  Ferry  has  also  taken 
specimens  in  that  locality.  Prof.  S.  A.  Forbes  procured  a  specimen 
in  southern  Illinois  at  Villa  Ridge,  Pulaski  Co.,  on  December  18, 
1879  (Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  V.,  p.  118.). 

According  to  Mr.  Butler  (Birds  of  Indiana,  1897,  p.  1002)  they 
were  numerous  at  Whiting,  Lake  Co.,  Indiana,  on  March  30,  1880, 
and  "on  December  4,  1880,  Mr.  R.  A.  Turtle  shot  thirty  or  forty 
specimens  out  of  a  large  flock  at  Whiting,  Indiana." 

It  is  a  regular  winter  visitant  in  Wisconsin  and  according  to 
Kumlien  &  Hollister  "of  much  more  regular  occurrence  from  the 
central  part  of  the  state  northward."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  106.) 

290.     Bombycilla  cedrorum  VIEILL. 
CEDAR  WAXWING. 

Ampelis  cedrorum  (Vieill.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  P-  26°- 

Distr.:  Whole  of  the  United  States  and  north  to  Ontario,  Quebec, 
and  Athabaska,  breeding  from  the  Carolinas,  Kentucky,  Missouri 
and  Kansas  northward;  south  in  winter  to  the  West  Indies  and 
Central  America  to  Costa  Rica. 

Special  characters:  Much  smaller  than  the  Bohemian  Waxwing; 
belly,  tinged  with  yellow;  under  tail  coverts,  white. 

Adult:  Head,  with  small  crest;  upper  plumage,  rich  grayish 
brown,  brightest  on  the  head  and  shading  into  gray  on  the  rump 
and  upper  tail  coverts;  a  line  of  black  across  forehead  at  base  of  bill, 
-extending  backward  in  a  stripe  through  the  eye;  throat  and  breast, 
grayish  brown,  shading  into  pale  yellow  on  the  belly;  under  tail 


626     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


coverts,  white;  a  short 
white  line  from  base  of 
under  mandible  and  a 
very  narrow  white  line 
separating  the  black  fore- 
head from  the  grayish 
brown  crown;  primaries, 
slate-gray;  tail,  slate- 
gray,  shading  to  blackish 
at  the  ends  and  tipped 
with  yellow;  shafts  of  se- 
condaries and  sometimes 
tail  feathers  with  hard, 
red,  elongated  tips  re- 
sembling bits  of  sealing- 
wax;  the  location  of 
these  varies,  as  in  B. 
garrula,  and  are  some- 
times entirely  lacking  in 
apparently  adult  birds. 

Immature  birds  show 
more  or  less  pale  streaks,  especially  on  the  breast  and  sides  of  body. 
Length,  6.25  to  7.25;  wing,  3.50  to  3.75;  tail,  2.20;  bill,  .34- 
The  Cedar  Waxwing  or  Cedar  Bird  is  a  common  summer  resi- 
dent in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin  and  a  more  or  less  common  winter 
resident,  varying  in  numbers  according  to  the  severity  of  the   season. 
In  the  fall  they  are  usually  observed  in  flocks  and  their  peculiar  hiss- 
ing or  "wheezy"  notes  are  unmistakable. 

It  breeds  from  June  until  August.  The  nest  is  large,  built  in  a 
tree  and  composed  of  twigs,  shreds  of  bark,  leaves,  moss,  etc.  The 
eggs  are  from  3  to  5,  pale  bluish  gray,  spotted,  and  marked  with  dark 
brown  and  black,  and  measure  about  .88  x  .61  inches. 


Cedar  WE 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


627 


Family    LANIID^.      Shrikes. 

The  Shrikes  are  a  large  family,  containing  some  200  species 
mostly  exotic.  Two  species  occur  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  both 
grayish  birds  with  dark  wings  and  tail,  and  a  noticeable  stripe  through 
the  eye.  They  are  pugnacious  and  savage,  preying  upon  animals 
as  well  as  insects.  They  have  the  singular  habit  of  impaling  small 
birds  and  animals  upon  sharp  twigs  and  thorns,  and  it  is  not  uncom- 


Northern  Shrike. 


628     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

mon  to  find  bushes  ornamented  in  this  manner  with  the  bodies  of 
their  victims.  The  nest  is  a  large  rough  structure,  placed  on  a  crotch 
or  branch  of  some  tree. 


Genus   LANIUS   Linn. 
291.     Lanius  borealis  VIEILL. 
NORTHERN  SHRIKE.      BUTCHER  BIRD. 

Distr.:  Northern  North  America,  breeding  in  the  far  north  (Lab- 
rador, Ungava,  Alas'ka,  etc.) ;  south  in  winter  to  southern  Illinois, 
Kansas,  Arizona,  etc. 

Adult:  Upper  plumage,  clear  ash-gray,  tinged  with  whitish  on 
rump  and  scapulars;  under  parts,  dull  white,  marked  with  numerous 
narrow  wavy  bars  of  dusky;  a  black  stripe  through  the  eye  on  sides 
of  head,  and  a  narrow  white  mark  above  the  eye;  primaries,  blackish, 
with  white  band;  tail,  blackish,  the  four  outer  feathers,  tipped  with 
white,  the  outer  feather  having  the  terminal  third  and  the  entire 
outer  web,  white. 

Sexes  similar. 

Immature:  Markings  similar  to  adult,  but  upper  plumage,  brown- 
ish gray;  black  streak  on  sides  of  head  replaced  by  dusky. 

Length,  9.30  to  10.30;  wing,  4.50;  tail,  4.15;   bill,  .60. 

This  species  is  a  common  winter  resident  in  northern  Illinois 
and  Wisconsin,  from  the  latter  part  of  October  until  March;  and 
casual  or  rare  in  southern  Illinois. 

It  is  hawk-like  in  disposition  and  well  deserves  the  name  of 
Butcher  Bird,  as  it  delights  in  killing  small  birds  and  animals  and 
impaling  them  upon  thorns  and  sharp  twigs. 

292.     Lanius  ludovicianus  LINN. 
LOGGERHEAD  SHRIKE. 

Distr.:  Southern  United  States,  from  Texas  eastward  and  north 
to  Arkansas,  Tennessee,  and  Illinois  (replaced  in  the  northern  states 
by  the  Migrant  Shrike). 

Special  characters:  Upper  parts,  slate-color;  under  parts,  almost 
white,  with  no  decided  tinge  of  gray;  bill,  stout  and  large;  tail, 
longer  than  the  wing  (carpus  to  tip). 

Adult:  Upper  plumage,  slaty  gray;  a  black  stripe  on  sides  of 
head  through  the  eye  and  continuing  in  a  very  narrow  black  line 
across  the  forehead  at  base  of  bill ;  under  parts,  white,  often  faintly 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


629 


Loggerhead    Shrike. 


tinged  with  ashy;  inner  secondaries,  black,  tipped  with  white;  pri- 
maries, fuscous  brown,  the  bases,  white;  tail,  blackish,  the  outer 
feathers  with  the  ends  largely  white. 

Sexes  similar. 

Immature  birds  have  the  under  parts  marked  with  wavy,  dusky 
lines,  as  in  L.  borealis. 

Length,  about  8.75;   wing,  about  3.80;   tail,  3.90;   bill,  .50. 

The  Loggerhead  Shrike  is  a  summer  resident  in  southern  Illinois 
and  perhaps  farther  north ;  but  is  replaced  in  northern  Illinois  and 
Wisconsin  by  the  form,  now  recognized  as  a  migrans.  In  a  series 
of  specimens  from  various  localities  in  Indiana  and  Illinois,  the 
majority  are  intermediate  between  ludovicianus  and  migrans;  but 
three  from  southern  Illinois  may  be  referred  to  ludovivianus. 

Perched  on  a  stump  or  a  commanding  branch,  the  Loggerhead 
watches  for  and  swoops  down  upon  his  prey.  Birds,  beetles,  grass- 
hoppers, or  even  small  mice  are  killed  and  hung  in  his  larder. 

It  breeds  in  May  and  June.  The  nest  is  a  large  rough  structure, 
composed  of  dry  grass,  small  sticks,  and  feathers,  built  in  a  low  tree 
or  hedge.  The  eggs  are  from  4  to  6,  dull  white,  thickly  spotted  and 
marked  with  brown  and  purplish  gray,  and  measure  about  .98  x  .74 
inches. 


630     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

292a.     Lanius  ludovicianus  migrans  PALMER. 
MIGRANT  SHRIKE. 

Distr.:  Eastern  United  States,  north  of  South  Carolina,  Alabama, 
and  Mississippi,  and  from  Arkansas,  Iowa,  and  Minnesota  eastward 
to  the  coast. 

Special  characters:  Very  similar  to  the  Loggerhead  Shrike,  but 
supposed  to  differ  in  having  the  upper  parts  more  bluish  gray;  under 
parts  washed  with  slaty  gray;  bill,  more  slender;  and  tail,  shorter 
than  the  wing  (carpus  to  tip). 

A  common  summer  resident  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin.  Inter- 
mediates occur  between  ludovicianus  and  migrans  which  might  be 
referred  to  either  form.  The  majority  arrive  in  northern  Illinois 
late  in  March  or  early  in  April  (earliest  Chicago  record,  March  8). 

Kumlien  and  Hollister  state  that  it  is  "Not  as  common  north  of 
the  central  part  of  the  state  as  south  of  it,  except  toward  the  north- 
west, where  it  appears  to  be  found  more  or  less  to  the  extreme  north 
portion."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  107.) 

Habits,  nest,  and  eggs  are  similar  to  those  of  the  Loggerhead 
Shrike. 

The  Field  Museum  collection  contains  the  following  sets  of  eggs 
from  northern  Illinois:  4  eggs,  Chicago,  April  26;  6  eggs,  Joliet, 
May  3 ;  5  eggs,  Joliet,  May  n  ;  2  eggs,  Joliet,  May  n ;  6  eggs,  Joliet, 
May  26;  also  a  set  of  eggs  taken  at  Grinnell,  Iowa,  June  12. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


631 


Family  VIREONID^.      Vireos. 

The  Vireos  number  about  60  species  confined  to  the  Americas 
and  adjacent  islands.  They  are  insectivorous  birds,  usually  dull 
colored,  inhabiting  woodland  and  shrubbery,  and  build  their  nests 
in  trees  or  bushes.  The  song  is  a  pleasing  warble. 

ANALYSIS  OF  THE  SPECIES. 

A.  Wing  without  bars. 

Throat  and  under  parts,  more  or  less  pale  yellow;  first  primary,  not  short, 
at  least  as  long  as  fifth. 

PHILADELPHIA  VIREO. 

Throat,  breast,  and  belly,  not  yellow;  crown  nearly  same  color  as  back; 
first  primary,  spurious;  less  than  an  inch  long. 

WARBLING  VIREO. 

Throat,  breast,  and  belly,  not  yellow;  sides  of  body,  olive  green;  crown 
very  different  from  back;  a  blackish  streak  on  sides  of  crown,  and  a  whitish 
streak  over  eye,  first  primary  about  as  long  as  fifth. 

RED-EYED  VIREO. 

B.  Wing  with  white  or  whitish  bars. 

(Formed  by  coverts  being  tipped  with  white  or  yellowish  white.) 
Eye  ring,  yellov.-;   throat  and  breast,  yellow;   rump,  grayish. 

YELLOW-THROATED  VIREO. 

Eye  ring,  yellow;  a  spot  in  front  of  eye,  yellow;  throat,  white  or  buffy 
white;  sides  of  body,  yellow  or  greenish  yellow. 

WHITE-EYED  VIREO. 

Eye  ring,  white;  crown  and  sides  of  head,  slaty  or  plumbeous;  wing,  over 
2.50  inches  long,  first  primary  very  short. 

BLUE-HEADED  VIREO. 

Eye  ring,  white  or  whitish,  sometimes  indistinct;  wing,  under  2.50  inches 
long;  first  primary,  small,  about  half  as  long  as  third;  wing  bar,  narrow. 

BELL'S  VIREO. 


Philadelphia  Vireo. 
(Showing  long  first  primary.) 


Blue-headed  Vireo. 
(Showing  short  first  primary.) 


632     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Genus  VIREOSYLVA   Bonap. 

293.     Vireosylva  olivacea  (LINN.). 

RED-EYED  VIREO. 

Vireo  olivaceus  (Linn.),  A  .O.  U.  Check  List,  1895.  p.  263. 

Distr.:  North  America,  from  Colorado,  Utah,  western  British 
Columbia  and  Northwest  Territory,  eastward  to  the  Atlantic  coast; 
breeds  throughout  its  North  American  range;  south  in  winter  to 
northern  South  America. 


Adult:  Crown,  gray,  bordered  by  a  black  line;  a  whitish  stripe 
over  the  eye  and  a  dusky  stripe  through  the  eye;  back,  olive  green; 
sides,  olive  green,  rest  of  under  parts,  white;  wings  and  tail,  slaty 
brown,  edged  with  greenish;  iris,  red. 

Sexes  similar. 

Length,  about  6;   wing,  3.25;   tail,  2.15;   bill,  .50. 


Red-eyed  Vireo. 

A  common  summer  resident  throughout  Illinois  and  Wisconsin 
from  May  until  October. 

It  breeds  in  May  and  June.  The  nest  is  a  pensile  structure, 
finely  made  of  shreds  of  bark,  vegetable  fiber,  and  plant  down,  and 
is  attached  to  a  branch  of  a  tree.  The  eggs  are  3  to  4,  white, 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  633 

with  a  few  scattered  spots  of  black  or  dark  brown,  and  measure  about 
.82  x  .56  inches. 

The  song  of  the  Red-eyed  Vireo  is  a  melodious  and  often-repeated 
warble. 

294.     Vireosylva  philadelphica  CASS. 
PHILADELPHIA  VIREO. 

Vireo  philadelphicus  (Cass.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  203. 

Distr.:  United  States  and  British  Provinces,  from  Kansas,  the 
Dakotas,  and  Athabaska  eastward,  breeding  from  the  northern  edge 
of  the  United  States  northward  and  occasionally  farther  south. 

Adults:  Upper  parts,  grayish  olive,  the  crown,  slightly  grayer 
than  back;  a  pale  line  over  the  eye;  wings  and  tail,  slaty  brown, 
faintly  edged  with  olive  green;  under  parts,  pale  greenish  yellow; 
chin  and  belly,  often  whitish ;  first  primary  as  long  or  longer  than 
fifth. 

Sexes  similar. 

Length,  4.70;   wing,  2.55;   tail,  2;   bill,  .36. 

A  rather  common  migrant  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  but  owing 
to  its  plain  colors  often  overlooked.  It  has  not  as  yet  been  found 
nesting  within  our  limits,  but  may  do  so  in  northern  Wisconsin  and 
perhaps  farther  south. 

Mr.  E.  W.  Nelson  found  it  abundant  in  the  vicinity  of  Waukegan. 
He  says:  "They  were  so  numerous  near  Waukegan  about  the  twen- 
tieth of  May,  1876,  that  a  dozen  specimens  might  have  been  obtained 
in  an  hour.  The  first  of  July,  1874,  I  found  two  pairs  of  these  birds 
in  a  dense  thicket  bordering  Mazon  Creek  about  60  miles  south  of 
Chicago.  Upon  my  approach  the  birds  showed  great  anxiety,  utter- 
ing a  short,  complaining  cry  and  coming  within  a  few  feet  of  me. 
That  they  had  young  in  the  vicinity  I  was  sure,  but  owing  to  the 
character  of  the  covert  they  were  not  found."  (Birds  of  N.  E.  111., 
1876,  p.  102.) 

*• 
295.     Vireosylva  gilva  (VIEILL.). 

WARBLING  VIREO. 

Vireo  gilvus  (Vieill.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  P-  264. 

Distr.:  United  States  and  British  Provinces  east  of  the  Rocky 
Mountains,  from  Kansas,  Wyoming,  Montana,  and  Saskatchewan 
eastward  to  the  Atlantic  coast,  breeding  throughout  its  range,  except 
in  southern  Florida. 

Adult:  Upper  parts,  ash-gray,  faintly  tinged  with  olive;  no  white 
bars  on  wings;  throat,  whitish;  rest  of  under  parts,  whitish,  faintly 


634     FIELD  MUSEUM  OP  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

tinged  with  pale  olive  yellow,  more  especially  on  the  sides;  wings 
and  tail,  slaty  brown,  more  or  less  faintly  edged  with  olive;  first  pri- 
mary, very  short,  less  than  an  inch  long. 

Sexes  similar. 

Length,  5.60;  wing,  2.90;  tail,  2.20;  bill,  .40. 

The  Warbling  Vireo  is  a  common  summer  resident  in  suitable 
localities  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  arriving  in  May  and  leaving  for 
the  south  in  September.  The  song  somewhat  resembles  that  of  the 
Red-eyed  Vireo  but  is  sweeter  and  not  so  loud. 

The  nest  is  pensile,  usually  attached  to  a  forked  branch  of  a  tree. 
The  eggs  are  3  to  4,  pure  white,  with  a  few  scattered  spots  of  black 
and  brown  chiefly  at  the  larger  end,  and  measure  about  .75  x  .54 
inches. 

Genus  LANIVIREO   Baird. 
296.     Lanivireo  flavifrons  (VIEILL.). 

YELLOW-THROATED  VIREO. 

Vireo  flavifrons  Vieill.,  A.  0.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  264. 

Distr.:  Breeds  in  United  States  and  southern  British  Provinces, 
from  Texas,  Kansas,  the  Dakotas,  north  to  southern  Manitoba,  and 
eastward  to  the  Atlantic  coast;  south  in  winter  to  Cuba,  Mexico, 
Central  America,  and  Colombia,  S.  A. 

Adult:  Wing  coverts,  tipped  with  white,  forming  wing  bars; 
upper  parts,  olive  green,  shading  to  grayish  on  the  rump;  eye  ring, 
yellow  or  yellowish;  throat  and  breast,  yellow;  belly,  white;  inner 
secondaries,  edged  with  white. 

Sexes  similar. 

Length,  5.80;  wing,  3;   tail,  2;   bill,  .38. 

A  common  migrant  and  not  uncommon  summer  resident  in 
wooded  districts  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  although  apparently  rather 
rare  in  the  vicinity  of  Chicago.  It  arrives  from  the  south  late  in 
April,  and  the  majority  have  gone  by  October  i. 

Mr.  Frank  M.  Woodruff  records  a  nest  and  eggs  of  this  species 
taken  June  8,  1885,  in  Lake  County,  Illinois,  by  Mr.  B.  T.  Gault. 

The  nest  is  attached  to  the  branch  of  a  tree,  usually  in  woods,  and 
is  composed  of  grass,  lichens,  shreds  of  bark,  and  plant  fibers.  The 
eggs  are  three  or  four,  pure  white,  with  a  few  scattered  spots  of  black 
and  brown,  chiefly  at  the  larger  end.  Size,  about  .80  x  .59  inches. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF.  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN- — CORY.  635 

297.     Lanivireo  solitarius  (WiLS.). 
BLUE-HEADED  VIREO. 

Vireo  solitarius  (Wils.),  A.  0.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  264. 

Distr.:    United  States  and  British  Provinces    east  of  the  Rocky 

Mountains,  south  in  winter  to  Cuba  and  Central  America;    breeds 

from  southern  New  England,  Wisconsin,  and  Minnesota  northward. 

Adult:    Crown  and  sides  of  head,  slaty  or  plumbeous;    eye  ring, 

white;    back  and  rump,  olive  green;    throat,  breast,  and  middle  of 

belly,  white;  sides  of  body,  olive, 
shading  into  olive  yellow  on  flanks; 
greater  and  middle  wing  coverts, 
tipped  with  white,  forming  wing 
bars;  inner  secondaries,  edged  with 
white;  first  primary,  very  short  and 
small,  less  than  %  inch  long;  tail 
feathers,  more  or  less  edged  with 
white.  Sexes  similar. 

Length,     5.50;   wing,    2.95;     tail, 
2.18;   bill,  .37. 

The  Blue-headed  Vireo  is  a  common  migrant  in  Illinois  in  May 
and  September  and  a  more  or  less  common  summer  resident  in 
Wisconsin.  The  song  is  a  melodious  warble,  somewhat  similar  but 
softer  than  that  of  the  Red-eyed  Vireo. 

Kumlien  and  Hollister  say:  "  A  common  migrant  in  May  and  Sep- 
tember and  a  regular  summer  resident  in  limited  numbers.  Dr. 
Hoy  reported  it  as  nesting  at  Racine  and  we  have  noted  it  as  a  sum- 
mer resident  at  Madison,  Two  Rivers,  Milwaukee,  and  Jefferson. 
We  have,  however,  found  but  one  nest  (Bark  River  woods,  Jefferson 
County)  and  this  contained  young  almost  able  to  fly."  (Birds  of  Wis- 
consin, 1903,  p.  108.) 

The  nest  is  built  in  the  lower  branches  of  a  small  tree  or  in  large 
bushes.  The  eggs  are  3  or  4,  pure  white,  with'  a  few  scattered  spots 
of  black  and  brown,  chiefly  at  the  larger  end,  and  measure  about 
.79  x  .55  inches. 


636       FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,    VOL.  IX. 


Genus  VIREO  Vieill. 
298.     Vireo  griseus  (BODDAERT). 

WHITE-EYED  VIREO. 

Vireo  noveboracensis  (Gmel.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  266. 
Distr.:    United  States  east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains,   south  in 
winter  to   Cuba  and   Mexico;    breeds  throughout  its  United  States 
range. 

Adult:   Upper  plumage,  including  rump,  olive  green,  more  or  less 
tinged  with  gray;   forehead,  yellowish  green;  a  line  from  eye  to  nos- 


tril and  a  ring  around  the  eye,  clear 
yellow;  wings  with  bars  formed  by 
the  greater  and  middle  wing  coverts 
being  tipped  with  yellowish  white; 
wings  and  tail,  fuscous  brown,  edged 
with  olive  green;  first  primary,  very 
shortness  than  an  inch  long;  throat 
and  belly,  whitish;  breast  and  sides  of  body,  greenish  yellow;  iris, 
whitish. 

Sexes  similar. 

Length,  5.20;  wing,  2.45;   tail,  2;   bill,  .38. 

The  White-eyed  Vireo  is  a  very  common  summer  resident  in 
southern  Illinois,  but  of  only  casual  occurrence  in  northern  Illinois, 
and  a  rare  summer  resident  in  southern  Wisconsin. 

Mr.  E.  W.  Nelson  gives  it  as  a  rather  rare  summer  resident  in 
northeastern  Illinois.  Mr.  Frank  M.  Woodruff  considers  it  a  rare 
bird  in  the  "Chicago  Area"  and  records  a  specimen  taken  by  Mr. 
B.  T.  Gault  at  Glen  Ellyn,  May  24,  1898.  Prof.  Ridgway  found 
it  "an  abundant  species  in  suitable  localities"  in  southern  Illinois, 
and  Mr.  John  F.  Ferry  found  it  common  in  the  vicinity  of  Henry, 
Marshall  Co.,  Illinois.  It  has  been  found  breeding  at  Fairbury, 
Livingston  Co.,  Illinois.  (Mundt,  Orn.  and  Ool.,  Vol.  VIII,  1883, 
p.  10.)  And  there  is  an  egg  in  the  Thomas  H.  Douglass  collection  at 
Waukegan,  Lake  Co.,  Illinois,  labeled  as  having  been  collected  by 
him  in  that  locality,  May  13,  1875. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  637 

Messrs.  Kumlien  and  Hollister  consider  it  "  A  rare  summer  resident 
in  southern  Wisconsin."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  io3.) 

The  nest  is  pensile,  usually  suspended  from  the  fork  of  a  branch 
in  bushes  or  low  trees.  The  eggs  are  3  or  4,  white  with  a  few  scat- 
tered spots  of  black  and  brown  chiefly  at  the  larger  end,  and  measure 
about  .75  x  .54  inches. 

299.     Vireo  belli!  AUD. 

BELL'S  VIREO. 

Distr.:  "  Upper  Mississippi  Valley  and  Great  Plains,  from  Dakota, 
Minnesota,  Illinois,  and  western  Indiana,  southwestward  to  Mexico." 
(A.  O.  U.). 

Adult:  Size,  small ;  back  and  rump,  olive  green ;  crown,  olive,  tinged 
with  ashy,  but  slightly  different  from  the  color  of  the  back;  under 


parts,  pale  greenish  yellow,  deepest  on  the  sides  and  flanks,  and  shad- 
ing to  whitish  on  the  chin  and  middle  of  the  belly;  inner  quills,  with 
pale  edges;  first  primary,  about  half  as  long  as  second;  greater  and 
middle  wing  coverts,  narrowly  edged  with  whitish,  forming  incon- 
spicuous wing  bands,  one  of  which  is  at  times  hardly  noticeable. 

Sexes  similar. 

Length,  4.75;   wing,  2.20;   tail,  1.90;   bill,  .36. 

Bell's  Vireo  is  a  not  uncommon  summer  resident  in  Illinois.  Both 
Prof.  Ridgway  and  Mr.  Nelson  record  specimens  taken  on  Fox  Prairie, 
Richland  Co.,  Illinois. 

Mr.  H.  S.  Swarth  found  it  not  uncommon  and  breeding  near 
Joliet,  Illinois,  in  June,  1906.  Several  nests  were  taken,  one  con- 
taining four  eggs.  Mr.  Isaac  E.  Hess  informs  me  he  found  a  nest  with 
four  eggs  on  July  4,  1899,  near  Philo,  Champaign  Co.,  Illinois.  Mr. 
E.  W.  Nelson  procured  a  specimen  near  Chicago,  June  25,  1875, 
and  the  same  year  Mr.  H.  K.  Coale  obtained  a  specimen,  which 
had  been  shot  by  a  boy  in  Chicago. 


638     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

There  are  apparently  no  satisfactory  records  of  its  occurrence 
in  Wisconsin.  Messrs.  Kumlien  and  Hollister  say  (Birds  of  Wiscon- 
sin, 1903,  p.  133):  "This  bird  has  been  taken  within  a  few  miles  of 
the  Wisconsin  line  in  Illinois,  and  near  Chicago,  by  Nelson.  Al- 
though it  has  been  credited  to  the  fauna  of  Wisconsin  the  proof  is 
still  lacking.  A  specimen  sent  to  us  for  the  purpose  of  verifying  the 
record  proved  to  be  V.  noveboracensis.  In  the  early  forties  Thure 
Kumlien  procured  specimens  of  a  vireo  which  he  called  belli,  of  which 
he  had  no  description,  simply  to  distinguish  it  from  gilvus.  This  led 
to  some  confusion  with  Lawrence,  Baird,  and  others  who  had  not 
seen  the  specimens.  The  bird  referred  to  was  later  described  by 
Cassin  as  V.  philadelphicus." 

The  nest  is  a  pensile  structure,  composed  of  plant  fibers,  grass, 
and  shreds  of  bark  finely  interwoven  and  attached  to  the  fork  of  a 
branch  in  bushes  or  low  trees.  The  eggs  are  5  or  6,  white,  marked 
with  a  few  scattered  spots  of  black  and  brown,  chiefly  at  the  larger 
end,  and  measure  about  .67  x  .49  inches. 

The  Field  Museum  collection  contains  two  nests  and  sets  of  eggs 
of  this  species  taken  by  Mr.  Swarth,  June  16  and  26. 


Family   MNIOTILTID^.      Wood   Warblers. 

The  Mniotiltidae  or  Wood  Warblers  are  an  American  family, 
numbering  upwards  of  100  species,  about  70  of  which  occur  in  North 
America.  They  frequent  woodland  and  shrubbery  and  are  strictly 
insectivorous.  During  migrations  they  at  times  assemble  in  large 
flocks,  several  species  being  often  represented.  The  song  is  sweet, 
but  not  loud,  varying  with  different  species. 


Genus  MNIOTILTA  Vieill. 

300.     Mniotilta  varia  (LiNN.). 
BLACK  AND  WHITE  WARBLER. 

Distr.:  United  States  and  British  Provinces  east  of  the  Rocky 
Mountains;  breeds  from  North  Carolina,  Illinois,  and  Kansas  north 
to  Quebec,  Athabaska,  and  the  Mackenzie  region. 

Adult  male:  General  plumage,  black  and  white;  back,  black, 
streaked  with  white;  crown,  black,  with  a  white  stripe  through  the 
centre  and  another  over  the  eye;  under  parts,  white,  heavily  streaked 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


639 


with  black  except  on  middle  of  the  belly;  greater  and  middle  wing 
coverts,  broadly  tipped  with  white,  forming  two  conspicuous  wing 

bands;  wings,  fuscous  brown,  the  in- 
ner secondaries  edged  with  white; 
middle  tail  feathers,  blackish,  edged 
with  gray ;  outer  tail  feathers,  broadly 
marked  with  white  on  terminal  por- 
tion of  inner  webs. 

Adult  female:  Similar,  but  paler 
and  with  sides  more  or  less  tinged 
with  buffy  brown. 

Length,  5.20;  wing,  2.65;  tail, 
1.85;  bill,  .40. 

The  Black  and  White  Warbler  is 
very  common  during  the  migrations 

in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  and  a  summer  resident  in  the  latter 
state,  and  may  often  be  seen  climbing  about  the  trunks  of  trees 
much  in  the  manner  of  a  Creeper.  It  is  possible  it  may  occasionally 
nest  in  northern  Illinois,  but  I  find  no  record  of  its  having  done  so, 
although  Mr.  E.  W.  Nelson,  in  his  Birds  of  Northeastern  Illinois, 
gives  it  as  "not  an  uncommon  summer  resident." 

Regarding  its  occurrence  in  Wisconsin,  Messrs.  Kumlien  and  Hollis- 
ter  say  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  109) :  "An  abundant  migrant,  and 
tolerably  common  summer  resident.  This  species  is  one  of  the  first 
of  the  warblers  to  arrive,  appearing  in  the  southern  part  of  the  state 
with  the  myrtle  and  palm  warblers  during  the  latter  part  of  April. 
It  is  common  from  then  until  close  of  the  breeding  season,  when  its 
numbers  are  greatly  diminished.  On  the  southern  migration  it 
begins  to  increase  in  numbers  in  August  and  is  again  abundant  until 
October." 

The  nest  is  on  the  ground  and  carefully  hidden.  The  eggs  are 
3  to  5,  cream  white,  spotted  and  speckled  with  brown,  chiefly  around 
the  larger  end,  and  measure  about  .67  x  .56  inches.  The  song  of 
this  species  is  a  penetrating  but  rather  faint,  see,  see,  see,  see. 


640     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Genus  PROTONOTARIA   Baird. 

301.     Protonotaria  citrea  (Boon.). 

PROTHONOTARY  WARBLER. 

Distr.:  Eastern  United  States,  from  Kansas  and  Nebraska  to 
the  Atlantic  coast,  north  to  southern  Michigan  and  southern  Wis- 
consin; breeding  throughout  its  United  States  range,  except  in  south- 
ern Florida;  south  in  winter  to  Yucatan,  Central  America,  and  north- 
ern South  America. 

Adult  male:  Crown,  olive  yellow,  shading  to  yellow  on  forehead; 
back,  yellowish  olive,  shading  to  slaty  gray  on  the  rump;  under 

parts,  clear  orange  yellow ;  primaries, 
fuscous  brown,  .the  outer  webs  nar- 
rowly edged  with  slaty  gray,  inner 
^  webs,  edged  with  white;  greater  por- 
tion of  inner  webs  of  tail  feathers  (ex- 
cept the  middle  ones)  white,  tipped 
with  blackish;  outer  webs,  dark;  un- 
der tail  coverts,  mostly  white. 

Adult   female:     Similar,    but    the 
yellow  markings  paler. 
Length,  5.40;  wing,  2.80;  tail,  1.90;   bill,  .50. 

A  common  summer  resident  in  Illinois  south  of  the  Kankakee 
River  and  of  irregular  occurrence  as  far  north  as  southern  Wisconsin. 
Mr.  Isaac  E.  Hess  informs  me  he  has  found  this  species  nesting 
commonly  in  Piatt  Co.,  Illinois,  and  abundantly  along  the  Illinois 
River  in  Putnam  Co. 

Grundtvig  records  it  as  far  north  as  Shiocton,  Outagamie  County 
(Trans.  Wis.  Acad.  Sci.  Arts  &  Let.,  Vol.  X,  p.  140).  Messrs.  Kum- 
lien  and  Hollister  say:  " In  suitable  localities  in  the  southern  and 
western  parts  of  the  state  the  prothonotary  warbler  is  not  a  rare 
summer  resident." 

Breeds  in  May  and  June.  The  nest  is  of  moss,  usually  in  a  hole 
in  a  dead  tree  or  stump.  The  eggs  are  3  to  6,  white  or  faintly  buff, 
irregularly  marked  with  various  shades  of  brown,  and  measure  about 
.69  x  .55  inches. 

The  Field  Museum  collection  contains  a  set  of  6  eggs  taken  at 
Lima,  111.,  May  22,  1889,  and  another  of  4  eggs  taken  at  English  Lake, 
Lake  Co.,  Indiana,  June  30,  1907. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  641 

Genus  HELINAIA  Audubon. 

302.     Helinaia  swainsonii  AUD. 

SWAINSON'S  WARBLER. 

Distr.:  Southeastern  United  States,  from  eastern  Texas  and 
Arkansas  to  the  Atlantic  coast,  north  to  southern  Indiana,  breeding 
throughout  its  United  States  range,  except  in  southern  Florida; 
south  in  winter  to  southern  Florida,  Cuba,  Jamaica,  and  eastern 
Mexico  (Vera  Cruz). 

Adult:  Upper  plumage,  dark  olive  brown;  crown  and  wings, 
tinged  with  cinnamon-brown;  tail,  dark  olive  brown,  without  aay 

white  marking;  a  dull  yellowish 
white  stripe  over  the  eye;  under 
parts,  yellowish  white,  tinged  with 
brownish  olive  on  the  sides;  bill,  pale 
brown. 

Sexes  similar. 

Length,  5.25;   wing,  2.60;   tail,  2; 
bill,  .50. 

It  is  doubtful  if  this  species  has  ever  actually  been  taken  in 
Illinois,  although  it  undoubtedly  occurs  in  the  southern  portion  of  the 
state.  Mr.  Ridgway  in  his  Notes  on  Birds  observed  at  Mt.  Carmel, 
southern  Illinois,  in  the  spring  of  1878  (Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  1878, 
p.  163)  states:  "In  the  Cyprus  swamp  a  bird  was  several  times  no- 
ticed by  Mr.  Brewster  and  myself,  which  we  both  agreed  must  be 
this  species.  It  was  well  seen  on  several  occasions  and  its  song 
heard,  while  one  specimen  was  shot,  but  unfortunately  could  not  be 
found."  In  the  synonomy  of  his  Birds  of  North  and  Middle  America 
(1902,  p.  438)  he  refers  to  this  record  as  from  "  Knox  Co.,  Indiana," 
from  which  it  would  appear  that  the  birds  were  observed  on  the 
Indiana  side  of  the  Wabash  River. 

Mr.  Otto  Widmann  gives  Swainson's  Warbler  as  a  summer  resi- 
dent in  southeast  Missouri  (Birds  of  Missouri,  1907,  p.  214). 

Mr.  Alfred  O.  Gross  records  having  seen  a  Swainson's  Warbler 
near  Du  Quoin,  Perry  County,  Illinois,  on  June  17,  1907.  (The 
Auk,  Vol.  XXV,  1908,  p.  225.) 


642     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Genus  HELMITHEROS  Rafinesque. 
303.     Helmitheros  vermivorus  (GMEL.). 
WORM-EATING  WARBLER. 

Distr.:  Eastern  United  States,  west  to  Nebraska  and  Texas  and 
north  to  southern  New  England,  Indiana,  Illinois,  and  Nebraska; 
breeds  throughout  its  United  States  range ;  south  in  winter  to  the 
Bahamas,  Cuba,  Jamaica,  Central  America,  and  northern  South 
America. 

Adult:  Crown,  black,  divided  in  centre  by  a  broad  tawny  buff 
stripe;  a  tawny  buff  stripe  over  the  eye  and  a  black  stripe  through 

the  eye;  back  and  tail,  olive 
green;  primaries,  fuscous,  edged 
with  olive  green;  no  wing  bars; 
under  parts,  buffy;  whitish  or 
buffy  white  on  belly  and  throat. 
Sexes  similar. 

Length,     5.50;    wing,     2.70; 
tail,  2;   bill,  .48. 

The  Worm-eating  Warbler 
is  a  common  summer  resident 
in  southern  Illinois  and  rare  in 
northern  Illinois  and  southern 
Wisconsin.  Mr.  E.  W.  Nelson  procured  a  specimen  at  Waukegan  on 
May  21,  1876,  and  Mr.  R.  W.  Chaney  informs  me  he  observed  an 
adult  male  in  Jackson  Park,  Chicago,  on  May  n,  1908. 

Dr.  Hoy  states  (Racine,  1852):  "A  few  nest  in  this  section." 
Regarding  this  statement  Messrs.  Kumlien  and  Hollister  say:  "As  we 
remember  it,  he  (Dr.  Hoy)  procured  but  three  specimens  in  all,  and 
knowing  it  to  be  a  southern  species  supposed,  of  course,  that  it  bred, 
if  it  occurred  there  at  all."  Thure  Kumlien  procured* two  speci- 
mens at  Lake  Koshkonong.  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  109.) 

It  breeds  commonly  in;  southern  Illinois.  The  nest  is  on  the 
ground  among  dead  leaves  and  is  composed  of  fern  stems,  shreds  of 
bark,  and  leaves.  The  eggs  are  3  to  5,  cream  white,  finely  speckled 
chiefly  at  the  larger  end  with  brown,  and  measure  about  .69  x  .51 
inches. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  643 

Genus  VERM1VORA  Swainson. 

304.     Vermivora  pinus  (LINN.). 

BLUE-WINGED  WARBLER. 

Helminthophila  pinus  (Linn.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  270. 
Distr.:  Eastern  United  States,  from  Kansas,  Nebraska,  and  South 
Dakota  eastward  and  south  from  southern  New  England,  Wisconsin, 
and  Minnesota;  ranges  in  winter  to  Central  America  and  northern 
South  America  (Colombia) ;  breeds  from  Georgia,  Tennessee,  and 
Oklahoma  northward. 

Adult  male:  Crown  and  under  parts,  bright  yellow;  under  tail 
coverts,  whitish;  back  and  rump,  clear  olive  green;  a  black  line 
through  the  eye;  primaries,  fuscous  brown, 
edged  with  grayish  on  outer  webs  and  dull 
white  on  inner  webs;  greater  and  middle 
wing  coverts,  edged  with  white,  forming 
wing  bars;  tail,  brownish  gray,  the  inner 
webs  of  the  two  outer  tail  feathers,  mostly 
white. 

Adult  female:  Similar,  but  paler  and  the  yellow  crown  patch 
smaller. 

Length,  4.75;   wing,  2.45;   tail,  2;   bill,  .42. 

This  species  is  a  rather  common  summer  resident  in  southern 
Illinois  and  a  casual  summer  resident  in  northern  Illinois;  rare  in 
southern  Wisconsin. 

Mr.  Ridgway  found  it  breeding  at  Mt.  Carmel,  111.,  and  Mr.  E. 
W.  Nelson  in  his  Birds  of  N.  E.  Illinois,  gives  it  as  an  "abundant 
migrant,"  which  is  not  the  case  at  the  present  time.  Mr.  Frank  M. 
Woodruff  gives  half  a  dozen  records  of  its  occurrence  in  northeastern 
Illinois  (Birdsof  the  Chicago  Area,  1907,  p.  157),  and  Messrs.  Kumlien 
and  Hollister  give  eight  records  for  southern  Wisconsin,  including  a 
female  with  nest  and  eggs  taken  near  Delavan,  May  22.  1899  (Birds  of 
Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  100). 

The  nest  is  usually  on  the  ground  and  is  composed  of  leaves  and 
shreds  of  bark.  The  eggs  are  5  or  6,  pure  white,  finely  and  rather 
irregularly  speckled  with  brown  chiefly  at  the  larger  end,  and  measure 
about  .60  x  .49  inches. 


644     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

305.     Vermivora  chrysoptera  (LiNN.). 
GOLDEN-WINGED  WARBLER. 

Helminthophila  chrysoptera  (Linn.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895, 
p.  270. 

Distr.:  Eastern  United  States,  north  to  southern  New  England, 
southern  Ontario,  and  southern  Manitoba,  and  west  to  Dakota,  Ne- 
braska, and  Kansas ;  breeds  from  New  Jersey  and  northern  Indiana 
northward;  south  in  winter  to  Central  America  and  northern  South 
America. 

Adult  male:  Crown,  yellow;  rest  of  upper  plumage,  bluish  gray, 
more  or  less  tinged  with  olive  green;  greater  and  middle  wing  coverts, 
broadly  tipped  with  yellow,  forming  a  conspicuous  yellow  wing  patch ; 
a  broad  stripe  on  side  of  head  and  a  patch  on  the  chin;  throat  and 
breast,  black;  a  narrow  white  superciliary  stripe  bordering  the  yellow 
crown;  a  white  stripe  on  side  of  throat;  rest  of  under  parts,  white, 
shading  to  ashy  on  the  sides;  three  lateral  tail  feathers  with  large 
white  spaces  on  inner  webs. 

Adult  female:  Similar,  but  duller,  yellow  of  the  crown  mixed  with 
olive  and  the  black  patches  on  sides  of  head  and  throat  replaced  by 
dusky  gray. 

Length,  5;   wing,  2.45;   tail,  2;   bill,  .38. 

The  Golden-winged  Warbler  is  a  rather  common  migrant  and  a 
more  or  less  common  summer  resident  in  parts  of  Illinois  and  Wis- 
consin. Prof.  Ridgway  states  he  found  it  breeding  on  the  southern 
edge  of  Calhoun  Prairie  in  Richland  County,  Illinois,  in  June,  1885, 
and  that  Mr.  H.  K.  Coale  found  it  common  and  breeding  on  May  n, 
1884,  in  the  woods  on  the  Kankakee  River  in  Stark  County,  Indiana 
(Orn.  of  Illinois,  1889,  p.  126). 

Messrs.  Kumlien  and  Hollister  state  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903, 
p.  in):  "This  superb  warbler  is  a  regular,  though  rather  rare,  mi- 
grant and  a  summer  resident  from  the  southern  part  of  the  state 
northward.  Dr.  Hoy  took  several  nests  at  Racine  and  T.  Kumlien 
procured  fledglings  in  Jefferson  County.  Grundtvig  found  it  common, 
in  fact,  'extremely  numerous'  in  Outagamie  County  in  1882—3.  He 
found  it  a  common  summer  resident,  but  did  not  find  a  nest.  Re- 
corded by  Willard  as  breeding  in  Brown  County,  and  by  Mr.  J.  N. 
Clark  from  Dunn  County.  We  have  found  it  more  common  along 
Lake  Michigan  than  elsewhere  and  a  rather  common  breeder  at  Two 
Rivers  in  1881.  It  is  a  regular  summer  resident  in  Jefferson  County, 
but  as  elsewhere  is  restricted  to  favorite  localities." 

The  nest  is  on  or  near  the  ground,  composed  of  leaves,  plant  fiber. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  645 

shreds  of  bark,  etc.  The  eggs  are  from  4  to  6,  white,  finely  speckled 
with  brown  chiefly  at  the  larger  end,  and  measure  about  .63  x  .52 
inches. 

306.     Vermivora  rubricapilla  (WiLS.). 
NASHVILLE  WARBLER. 

Helminthophila  ruficapilla  (Wils.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p. 
271. 

Distr.:  United  States  and  British  Provinces  east  of  the  Rocky 
Mountains;  breeds  from  about  the  latitude  of  Nebraska  and  Penn- 
sylvania northward  to  northern  Quebec  and  Athabaska. 

Adult  male  in  summer:  Crown  and  sides  of  head,  ashy  gray,  with 
a  partially  concealed  chestnut  patch  on  the  crown;  back  and  rump, 
yellowish  olive  or  light  olive  green,  brightest  on  upper  tail  coverts; 
under  parts,  including  under  tail  coverts,  yellow,  shaded  with  olive 
on  the  sides;  wings  and  tail,  fuscous  brown,  edged  with  olive  green. 

Adult  female  in  summer:  Similar,  but  paler,  the  crown  patch 
smaller,  and  the  middle  of  the  belly  more  or  less  whitish. 

Immature  birds  usually  lack  the  chestnut  crown  patch. 

Length,  4.65;  wing,  2.45;  tail,  1.90;  bill,  .36. 

A  common  migrant  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin  and  a  more  or  less 
common  summer  resident  in  the  latter  state.  The  song  somewhat 
resembles  that  of  the  Yellow  Warbler. 

Regarding  its  nesting  in  Wisconsin,  Kumlien  and  Hollister  say: 
"  The  Nashville  Warbler  nests  regularly  in  different  parts  of  the  state. 
We  have  nesting  records  at  different  times  in  Walworth  County,  at 
Lake  Koshkonong,  Dunn  County,  and  northward.  It  is  an  espe- 
cially common  migrant  along  Rock  River  Valley.  A  favorite  nesting 
site  seems  to  be  in  tamarack  swamps,  the  nest  being  placed  on  sphag- 
rum,  or  reindeer  moss."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  in.) 

The  nest  is  on  the  ground  and  is  composed  of  fine  rootlets,  moss, 
and  grass.  The  eggs  are  4  or  5,  pure  white,  finely  speckled  with 
brown  chiefly  at  the  larger  end,  and  measure  about  .60  x  .47  inches. 

307.     Vermivora  celata  (SAY). 
ORANGE-CROWNED  WARBLER. 

Helminthophila  celata  (Say),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  272. 
Distr.:  Greater  portion  of  North  America,  breeding  in  the  west- 
ern portion  from  New  Mexico  and  Utah  northward  to  the  Mackenzie 
region  and  northern  Alaska;  rare  east  of  the  Alleghany  Mountains 
north  of  Virginia;  winters  in  the  south  Atlantic  and  Gulf  states 
and  Mexico. 


646     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Adult  male:  Crown  with  partially  concealed  patch  of  orange 
brown;  a  rather  obscure  yellowish  orbital  ring;  rest  of  upper  parts, 
dull  grayish  olive,  shading  to  olive  green  on  the  rump;  under  parts,' 
yellowish  olive,  showing  very  faint  and  obscure  dusky  streaks  on  the 
breast;  wings  and  tail,  fuscous  brown,  the  former  narrowly  edged 
with  olive  and  the  latter  apparently  plain,  but  the  outer  feathers 
with  very  narrow  whitish  edgings. 

Adult  female:   Similar,  but  crown  patch  less  extended. 

Young  birds  lack  the  orange  brown  crown  patch,  and  the  orbi- 
tal ring  is  whitish. 

Length,  4.90;  wing,  2.40;  tail,  1.90;  bill,  .38. 

The  Orange-crowned  Warbler  is  common  in  Illinois  and  Wiscon- 
sin during  the  migrations  in  spring  and  fall.  Specimens  have  been 
taken  in  Wisconsin  in  June  and  July,  and  Messrs.  Kumlien  and  Hollis- 
ter  are  of  the  opinion  that  it  breeds,  but  there  is  no  record  of  the  nest 
and  eggs  having  been  taken  in  the  state. 

308.     Vermivora  peregrina  (WiLs.). 

TENNESSEE  WARBLER. 

Helminthophila  peregrina  (Wils.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895, 
p.  272. 

Distr.:  Eastern  North  America,  west  to  the  Rocky  Mountains; 
breeds  from  northern  New  York,  northern  New  England,  Manitoba, 
and  the  mountains  of  Colorado  north  to  Ungava  and  the  Mackenzie 
region;  winters  in  Mexico.  Central  America,  and  northern  South 
America. 

Adult  male:  Upper  parts,  clear  olive  green,  brightest  on  the  rump ; 
crown,  ash-gray;  eye  ring  and  lores,  and  occasionally  more  or  less 
of  a  superciliary  stripe,  whitish;  under 
parts,  white  (sometimes  faintly  tinged 
with  pale  yellow  in  places) ;  flanks 
tinged  with  olive;  wings,  dark  fuscous 
brown,  the  feathers  edged  with  the  color 
of  the  back;  inner  secondaries,  narrowly 
edged  with  whitish  on  inner  webs;  tail, 
fuscous,  the  inner  web  of  the  outer  tail 
feather  generally  with  white  edge  near  tip. 

Adult  female:  Similar,  but  under  parts  tinged  with  pale  greenish 
yellow. 

Immature:  Upper  parts,  including  crown,  yellowish  olive;  under 
parts,  greenish  yellow,  shading  to  whitish  on  belly  and  crissum. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  647 

Length,  4.90;  wing,  2.70;   tail,  1.70;  bill,  .35. 

This  plain  colored  little  Warbler  is  an  abundant  migrant  in 
Illinois  and  Wisconsin  during  spring  and  fall.  It  arrives  on  its  way 
north  in  May  and  is  with  us  again  from  the  latter  part  of  August  until 
October.  Mr.  Ernest  E.  Thompson  admirably  describes  the  song 
as  beginning  with  chipiti,  chipiti,  repeated  a  dozen  times  or  more 
with  increasing  rapidity,  then  suddenly  changing  into  a  mere  twitter. 


Genus  COMPSOTHLYPIS  Cabanis. 

309.     Compsothlypis  americana  (LiNN.). 

PARULA  WARBLER. 

Distr.:  Eastern  United  States  west  to  the  Plains  and  north  to 
Canada;  south  in  winter  to  Central  America  and  the  West  Indies; 
breeds  in  suitable  localities  nearly  throughout  its  United  States 
range. 

Adult  male:  Upper  parts,  grayish  blue,  a  broad  patch  of  greenish 
yellow  across  middle  of  back;  lores,  blackish;  a  white  spot  on  the 
eyelids;  upper  throat  and  lower  breast, 
yellow,  separated  by  a  more  or  less 
perfect  chest  band  of  black  bordered 
with  orange  brown ;  belly,  white ;  sides 
washed  with  grayish  blue;  wings,  dark 
fuscous,  narrowly  edged  with  grayish 
blue;  the  greater  and-  middle  coverts, 
tipped  with  white,  forming  wing  bands; 
Paruia  Warbler.  ^  ^ark  fuscous,  the  outer  feathers 

with  broad  white  patches  on  inner  webs. 

Adult  female:  Similar,  but  paler;  the  breast  band  much  less  dis- 
tinct and  sometimes  absent. 

Length,  4.65;  wing,  2.40;  tail,  1.75;  bill,  .36. 
The  Paruia  Warbler  is  a  common  summer  resident  in  Illinois 
and  Wisconsin  in  localities  where  there  are  swampy  forests,  build- 
ing its  nest  in  the  long  gray  lichens  or  "gray  moss,"  which  grow  on  the 
trees  in  such  places.  Away  from  forests  it  occurs  as  a  migrant.  It 
arrives  early  in  May  and  leaves  for  the  south  in  September. 

The  eggs  are  from  3  to  5,  dull  white  or  cream  white,  speckled 
and  marked  with  rufous  brown  chiefly  at  the  larger  end,  and  measure 
about  .65  x  .46  inches. 

Compsothlypis  americana  ramalinae  Ridgway  is  no  longer  recog- 
nized as  separable. 


648     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Genus  DENDROICA   Gray. 
310.     Dendroica  tigrina  (GMEL.). 
CAPE  MAY  WARBLER. 

Distr.:  Eastern  North  America,  north  to  Lake  Winnipeg  and 
Hudson  Bay  territory,  west  to  the  Plains;  breeds  from  northern 
New  England  and  southern  Ontario  northward. 

Adult  male:  Crown,  black  in  full  breeding  plumage,  usually  mixed 
with  olive;  back,  light  olive  green,  irregularly  marked  with  black; 
rump,  yellow;  a  brownish  yellow  super- 
ciliary stripe  and  a  black  streak 
through  the  eye;  sides  of  head  around 
ear  coverts,  light  chestnut  brown,  bor- 
dered below  and  on  sides  of  neck  with 
clear  yellow;  under  parts,  bright  yellow 
(the  throat  and  upper  breast  usually 
more  or  less  tinged  with  brown) ,  heavily 
streaked  with  black,  the  yellow  shading 
to  whitish  on  the  belly;  wing  coverts,  broadly  tipped  with  white, 
forming  a  white  patch;  three  outer  tail  feathers  with  large  white 
patch  on  inner  webs. 

Adult  female:  Above,  grayish  olive,  shading  to  greenish  yellow 
on  rump;  head  marking  not  like  the  male;  a  faint  yellowish  line 
over  the  eye ;  white  markings  on  wing  coverts  and  tail  much  smaller ; 
throat,  pale  yellow;  under  parts,  yellowish  white,  streaked  with 
dusky. 

Length,  about  5;   wing,  2.70;   tail,  1.95;   bill,  .36. 
This  species  is  common  during  the  migrations  in  Illinois  and  Wis- 
consin in  May  and  September. 

31  I.     Dendroica  aestiva  (GMEL.). 
YELLOW  WARBLER. 

Distr.:  Whole  of  North  America,  except  British  Columbia  and 
Alaska,  north  to  the  Mackenzie  region,  Hudson  Bay,  and  Labrador; 
breeds  nearly  throughout  its  North  American  range;  south  in  winter 
to  Middle  America  and  northern  South  America. 

Adult  male:  Upper  plumage,  bright  olive  yellow,  more  yellowish 
on  crown  and  rump;  under  parts,  bright  yellow,  streaked  with  rufous 
brown;  wings,  fuscous  brown,  edged  with  greenish  yellow;  greater 
portion  of  inner  webs  of  tail  feathers,  yellow. 


JAX.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


649 


Adult    female:    Similar,    but    upper 
parts  slightly  deeper  olive  yellow  than 
the    male;     under    parts,    pale    yellow, 
rufous  streaks  faint  or  entirely  wanting. 
Diagnostic  character  in  any  plumage: 
Tail  feathers,  fuscous  brown,  with  inner 
webs  largely  clear  yellow. 
Length,  4.90;   wing,  2.50;   tail,  2;   bill,  .38. 

The  Yellow  Warbler  is  a  very  common  summer  resident  in  Illinois 
and  Wisconsin;  noticeable  on  account  of  its  yellow  plumage.  The 
majority  arrive  from  the  south  the  latter  part  of  April  or  early  in 
May,  and  leave  early  in  September.  Aside  from  its  familiar  chirp 
it  has  a  pleasing  song,  which  may  be  crudely  described  as  we-chee, 
we-chee,  we-chee-u. 

Breeds  in  May  and  June;  the  nest  is  cup  shaped,  usually  in  bushes 
or  low  trees,  and  composed  of  plant  fiber  and  grass,  lined  with  plant 
down  and  feathers.  The  eggs  are  from  3  to  6,  bluish  or  greenish 
white,  spotted  with  light  and  very  dark  brown  and  gray  chiefly  at 
the  larger  end,  and  measure  about  .68  x.  .49  inches. 

The  Field  Museum  collection  contains  a  series  of  sets  of  eggs  of 
this  species  taken  in  northern  Illinois  between  June  8th  and  i8th. 


312.     Dendroica  caerulescens  (GMEL.). 
BLACK-THROATED  BLUE  WARBLER. 

Distr.:  Eastern  North  America,  west  to  the  Rocky  Mountains 
and  north  to  Labrador,  northern  Ontario,  and  Quebec;  breeds  from 
northern  New  England  and  northern  New  York  northward  and  in 
the  Alleghany  Mountains  south  to  Georgia;  winters  in  the  West 
Indies,  Central  America,  and  northern  South  America. 

Adult  male:  Upper  plumage,  slaty 
blue  (occasionally  in  full  breeding 
plumage  showing  more  or  less  black  on 
the  back) ;  sides  of  the  head  from  above 
the  eyes,  throat  and  sides  of  body, 
black,  the  sides  more  or  less  mixed  with 
white ;  rest  of  under  parts,  pure  white ; 
basal  portion  of  most  of  quills,  white, 
extending  beyond  the  coverts  and  form- 
ing a  white  wing  spot ;  wing  coverts,  black,  edged  with  slaty  blue ; 
tail,  blackish,  the  outer  feathers  with  white  blotches  on  inner  webs. 


650     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Adult  female:  Dark  greenish  olive  above;  tail  feathers,  dark  fus- 
cous brown,  generally  faintly  edged  with  grayish  blue;  under  parts 
dull  buffy  white. 

Diagnostic  character  in  any  plumage:  Exposed  white  spot  on  pri- 
maries at  end  of  coverts. 

Length,  5.20;   wing,  2.50;   tail,  2;   bill,  .35. 

This  species  is  a  common  migrant  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin  in 
spring  and  fall,  and  undoubtedly  breeds  in  northern  Wisconsin,  as 
Mr.  John  F.  Ferry  observed  a  bird  of  this  species  feeding  young 
(which  were  taken)  near  Woodruff,  Vilas  County,  July  2,  1908,  and 
Messrs.  Kumlien  and  Hollister  say :  "  There  are  several  records  of  sum- 
mer specimens  from  different  localities." 

313.     Dendroica  coronata  (LINN.). 

MYRTLE  WARBLER.     YELLOW-RUMPED  WARBLER. 

Distr.:  Whole  of  North  America,  but  much  more  common  east 
of  the  Rocky  Mountains ;  breeds  from  northern  New  York  and  north- 
ern Michigan  and  in  the  Alleghany  Mountains  north  to  Ungava  and 
Alaska;  winters  in  the  West  Indies  and  Central  America. 

Adult  male  in  spring:  Upper  plumage,  bluish  gray,  streaked  with 
black;  crown,  sides  of  breast  and  rump,  clear  yellow;  throat,  white; 
a  white  superciliary  line;  sides  of  head, 
black;  breast,  white,  streaked  with 
black;  sides,  the  same;  wings  and  tail 
dark  fuscous,  the  latter  with  white 
blotches. 

Adult  female  in  spring:  Similar,  but 
browner  above  and  with  but  little  black 
on  under  parts;  yellow  patches  duller 
and  smaller. 

Adult  in  fall  and  immature:  Yellow 
on  crown  more  or  less  concealed;  upper  parts,  grayish  brown, 
streaked  with  black  or  dusky. 

Diagnostic  characters  in  any  plumage:    Crown,  sides  of  breast  and 
rump  more  or  less  yellow;  throat,  white  or  whitish. 
Length,  about  5.50;   wing,  2.95;   tail,  2.30;   bill,  .36. 
The  yellow  patches  on   the   rump   and   sides  of   the   breast    are 
usually  sufficiently  noticeable  to  identify  this  species  in  the  field. 

The  Myrtle  Warbler  is  an  abundant  migrant  in  spring  and  fall  in 
Illinois  and  Wisconsin.  Although  the  eggs  have  not  been  taken 
within  our  limits,  it  may  breed  in  northern  Wisconsin.  Mr.  F.  H. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  651 

King  states  (Geol.  of  Wisconsin,  Vol.  I,  1883,  p.  503):  "A  few  may 
breed  in  northern  Wisconsin,  for  I  obtained  a  male  at  Elk  Lake  in 
Chippewa  County,  July  26,  1876." 


314.     Dendroica  magnolia  (WILSON). 
MAGNOLIA  WARBLER. 

Dendroica'maculosa  (Gmel.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  276. 

Distr.:  Eastern  North  America,  west  to  the  Rocky  Mountains; 
breeds  from  Virginia  and  northern  Michigan  (Mackinac  Island)  north 
throughout  Quebec,  Ontario,  and  the  British  Provinces  to  the  Macken- 
zie region;  south  in  winter  to  the  West  Indies,  and  Central  America 
to  Panama. 

Adult  male  in  spring:  Crown,  ash-gray;  back,  black;  rump,  yellow; 
sides  of  head,  white;  a  white  stripe  from  above  the  eye  extending 


Magnolia  Warbler. 

backward;  lower  eyelid  white;  throat,  yellow;  under  parts,  yellow, 
streaked  with  black  except  on  middle  of  belly;  under  tail  coverts, 
white;  primaries  edged  with  white  on  inner  webs;  wing  coverts, 
mostly  white,  forming  a  white  wing  patch;  tail,  blackish,  with  broad 
white  band  across  the  middle,  'except  the  two  central  feathers. 

Adult  female  in  spring:  Similar,  but  duller  and  back  tinged  with 
olive. 

Immature:  Top  and  sides  of  head  more  or  less  ashy;  back,  olive 
green;  under  parts,  yellow,  whitish  on  belly;  tail  as  in  the  adult. 

Diagnostic  characters  in  any  plumage:  Tail  with  broad  white  band 
across  the  middle  (except  the  two  central  feathers);  rump,  yellow. 

Length,  5;   wing,  2.35;   tail,  2.10;   bill,  .36. 

Common  during  the  migrations  in  spring  and  fall  in  Illinois  and 
Wisconsin.  It  is  not  improbable  that  it  may  breed  in  northern  Wis- 
consin, as  it  has  been  found  nesting  on  Mackinac  Island,  northern 
Michigan  (White,  Auk,  Vol.  X,  1893,  p.  228). 


652     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

315.     Dendroica  cerulea  (WiLS.). 
CERULEAN  WARBLER. 

Distr.:  Eastern  North  America  and  southern  Ontario,  west  to 
the  Dakotas,  Nebraska,  Kansas,  and  eastern  Texas,  rare  east  of  New 
York;  breeds  from  West  Virginia,  Tennessee,  Alabama,  and  eastern 
Texas  north  to  Wisconsin  and  Minnesota. 

Adult  male:  Upper  plumage,  light  blue,  shading  to  grayish  blue 
on  the  rump;  back  streaked  with  black;  crown  with  more  or  less 
black  markings ;  ear  coverts,  dusky;  a  white  superciliary  line ;  throat, 
breast,  and  belly,  white;  a  band  of  grayish  blue  or  dusky  blue  across 
upper  breast;  sides  of  body,  white,  streaked  with  grayish  blue  and 
dark  blue;  wing  coverts  tipped  with  white,  forming  wing  bands; 
tail,  blackish,  all  the  feathers  except  the  middle  ones  with  subterminal 
white  blotches  on  inner  webs. 

Adult  female:  Upper  plumage,  dull  greenish  blue  or  grayish  green, 
with  or  without  faint  streaks  of  dusky;  superciliary  line,  whitish; 
throat  and  under  parts,  whitish,  more  or  less  washed  with  dull, 
yellowish  or  pale  greenish  yellow;  no  band  on  breast;  tail  markings 
as  in  the  male.  The  white  edgings  to  the  wing  coverts  and  different 
tail  markings  will  always  distinguish  the  female  of  this  species  from 
that  of  D.  c&rulescens. 

Length,  4.40;  wing,  2.65;  tail,   1.90;  bill,  .38. 

The  Cerulean  Warbler  is  a  summer  resident  in  Illinois;  common 
in  the  southern  part  of  the  state,  but  casual  or  rare  in  northern 
Illinois  and  in  Wisconsin. 

Mr.  Ridgway  considers  it  "by  far  the  most  abundant  of  the  sum- 
mer resident  members  of  the  family  in  Illinois."  Mr.  Frank  M.  Wood- 
ruff writes  (Birds  of  the  Chicago  Area,  1907,  p.  162):  "The  Cerulean 
Warbler  is  a  rare  summer  resident  in  the  heavy  timber  of  DuPage 
County,  Illinois,  and  a  few  probably  breed  in  the  woods  bordering 
the  Desplaines  River  at  River  Forest.  Mr.  B.  T.  Gault  has  observed 
this  species  during  the  summer  months  in  DuPage  County  and  at 
Lake  Forest,  Illinois.  It  arrives  from  about  the  tenth  to  the  twen- 
tieth of  May,  and  departs  early  in  September.  Mr.  H.  K.  Coale  in- 
forms me  that  he  shot  a  male  Cerulean  Warbler  at  Winnetka,  Illi- 
nois, on  May  12,  1879,  and  that  he  also  found  them  breeding  in  woods 
seven  miles  west  of  Lake  Forest,  Illinois,  in  1876." 

Messrs.  Kumlien  and  Hollister  state:  "A  rather  rare  species  in 
Wisconsin,  though  of.  regular  occurrence,  especially  along  Lake 
Michigan.  There  are  many  records  for  Lake  Koshkonong,  as  this 
section  has  been  closely  observed  for  a  long  period.  There  are  also 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  653 

records  for  Delavan,  Milwaukee,  Racine,  Two  Rivers,  etc.  Mr. 
Clark  has  not  found  it  in  Dunn  County.  Dr.  Hoy  considered  it  as 
a  breeding  species,  which  is  very  probably  true.  There  is  one  record 
for  Lake  Koshkonong,  June  14  (1872)."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903, 

P-  H3-) 

Breeds  in  May  and  June.  The  nest  is  built  in  a  tree,  usually  from 
30  to  50  feet  from  the  ground,  and  is  composed  of  grass,  shreds  of 
bark,  plant  fiber,  and  spiders'  webs.  The  eggs  are  3  or  4,  cream  white 
or  pale  greenish  white,  marked  and  spotted  with  brown,  and  measure 
about  .63  x  .51  inches. 

316.     Dendroica  pensylvanica  (LiNN.). 
CHESTNUT-SIDED  WARBLER. 

Distr.:  Eastern  North  America  south  of  northern  Quebec,  north- 
ern Ontario,  and  Manitoba,  and  west  to  Montana,  the  Dakotas,  and 
Kansas;  breeds  from  southern  Indiana  and  Illinois  and  in  the  Ap- 
palachian highlands  from  South  Carolina  northward ;  south  in  winter 
in  Mexico  and  Central  America  to  Panama. 

Adult  male:  Crown,  yellow;  a  black  stripe  over  the  eye  and  a 
black  patch  in  front  of  and  below  the  eye;  sides  of  head  about  ear 

coverts,  white;  back  streaked  with  black 

and  greenish  yellow ;  wing  coverts  tipped 
with  whitish  yellow,  forming  pale  yellow- 
ish wing  bars;  sides  of  breast,  chestnut; 
under  parts,  white. 

Adult  female:  Similar,  but  duller  and 
the  black  on  the  face  more  restricted 
and  sometimes  only  slightly  indicated. 

Immature:  Upper  parts,  clear  yellow- 
ish olive;  under  parts,  white;  sides  of  head  and  body,  ashy;  wing 
bars  as  in  the  adult. 

Diagnostic  characters  in  any  plumage:  Wing  bars,  yellowish ; 
throat  and  belly,  white. 

Length,  5;   wing,  2.45;   tail,  1.95;   bill,  .37. 

The  Chestnut-sided  Warbler  is  an  abundant  migrant  throughout 
Illinois  in  spring  and  fall  and  is  claimed  to  be  a  more  or  less  common 
summer  resident  in  northern  Illinois  and  Wisconsin.  Its  note  is  a 
faint,  soft  tseep  and  the  song  resembles  wee-see,  wee-see,  wee-see  re- 
peated quickly,  and  on  an  ascending  scale. 

Mr.  Robert  Kennicott  (Trans.  111.  Agri.  Soc.,  Vol.  I,  1853,  p.  583) 
states  that  it  was  known  to  breed  in  Cook  Co.,  Illinois.  Mr.  E.  W. 


654     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Nelson  gives  it  as  "an  abundant  migrant"  and  states  that  it  "breeds 
sparingly  away  from  the  lake."  (Birds  N.  E.  111.,  1876,  p.  99.) 

In  Wisconsin  it  is  a  common  summer  resident. 

The  nest  is  in  a  bush  or  small  tree,  usually  less  than  6  feet  from 
the  ground,  and  is  composed  of  shreds  of  bark,  rootlets,  plant  fiber, 
etc.  The  eggs  are  4  or  5,  white  or  creamy  white,  marked  and  spotted 
with  different  shades  of  brown  and  gray  around  the  larger  end,  and 
measure  about  .67  x  .49  inches. 

There  is  a  set  of  two  eggs  of  this  species  in  the  T.  H.  Douglass 
collection  at  Waukegan  labelled,  "Collected  by  Thomas  H.  Douglass, 
Waukegan,  111.,  May  13,1874." 

317.     Dendroica  castanea  (WILS.). 

BAY-BREASTED  WARBLER. 

Distr.:  Eastern  North  America,  north  to  northern  Quebec  and 
Hudson  Bay;  breeds  from  northern  New  England  and  northern 
Michigan  northward;  south  in  winter  to  eastern  Mexico,  Central 
America,  and  Colombia,  S.  A. 

Adult  male:  Crown,  throat,  upper  breast  and  sides  of  body,  chest- 
nut; forehead  and  sides  of  head,  black;  a  patch  of  pale  buff  on  sides 
of  neck;  back  streaked  with  black  and 
dull  gray;  lower  breast  and  belly,  buffy 
whitish ;  greater  and  middle  wing  cov- 
erts tipped  with  white,  forming  two 
white  wing  bars;  inner  webs  of  outer 
tail  feathers  with  white  patches  at  tips. 
Adult  female:  Crown,  olive  green, 
obscurely  streaked  or  spotted  with  black 
and  usually  showing  more  or  less  chest- 
nut; back  similar  to  the  male,  but  black  streaks  less  pronounced; 
under  parts,  buffy  white,  tinged  with  pale  chestnut  on  sides  of  breast 
and  body;  wing  bars  as  in  the  male. 

Immature:  Upper  parts,  olive  green,  with  obscure  black  streaks 
on  back;  under  parts,  dull  whitish,  often  faintly  washed  with  very 
pale  greenish  yellow  on  breast,  but  with  sides  of  body  and  -flanks 
tinged  with  pale  buff  (not  whitish  or  pale  olive  yellow  as  in  D.  striatd) ; 
wing  and  tail  markings  as  in  the  adult. 

Length,  5.50;  wing,  2.90;   tail,  2.10;   bill,  .38. 
This  species  is  common  during  the  migrations  in  Illinois  and  Wis- 
consin in  spring  and  fall.     Although  it  has  not  as  yet  been  found 
nesting  in  northern  Wisconsin,  it  is  not  unlikely  that  it  does  so,  as 
it  has  been  found  breeding  in  northern  Michigan. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  655 

318.     Dendroica  striata  (FORST.). 
BLACK-POLL  WARBLER. 

Distr.:  Whole  of  North  America,  except  west  of  the  Rocky 
Mountains  south  of  British  Columbia;  breeds  from  the  southern 
British  Provinces  and  northern  New  England  northward  to  northern 
Ungava  and  northern  Alaska;  south  in  winter  to  West  Indies  and 
South  America. 

Adult  male:  Crown,  black;  nape  streaked  black  and  white; 
auricular  region,  white;  back  and  rump,  grayish  ashy,  streaked  with 
black;  under  parts,  white,  the  sides  of 
breast  and  belly  streaked  with  black; 
two  white  wing  bars  formed  by  the 
middle  and  greater  wing  coverts  being 
tipped  with  white;  inner  webs  of  outer 
tail  feathers  with  patch  of  white  near 
the  tips. 

Adult    female:     Upper    parts,     dull 
olive     green,     the     crown     and     back 

streaked  with  black;  under  parts,  white,  more  or  less  faintly  washed 
with  pale  yellow;  sides  streaked  with  black;  wings  and  tail  as  in  the 
male. 

Immature  in  fall:  Upper  plumage,  dull  olive  green,  the  back  with 
obscure  black  streaks;  under  parts  washed  with  .pale  olive  yellow, 
whitening  on  the  belly;  the  sides  of  breast  usually  with  obscure 
streaks;  sides  of  body  and  flanks  tinged  with  pale  olive  yellow  (not 
buffy  as  in  castaned) ;  wings  and  tail  as  in  the  adult. 

Immature  birds  of  this  species  and  Bay-breasted  Warbler  are  very 
similar  and  at  times  difficult  to  distinguish  with  certainty,  but  the 
latter  usually  has  a  distinct  buffy  tinge  on  the  flanks,  and  the  obscure 
streaks  on  the  sides  of  the  breast  are  absent  in  that  species. 

Length,  about  5.50;  wing,  about  2.90;  tail,  2.15;  bill,  '.38. 
A  common  migrant  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin  in  spring  and  fall, 
arriving  on  its  northern  migration  early  in  May  and  passing  south 
again  in  September.  The  song  is  a  clear  trilling  whistle,  but  like 
several  others  of  our  species  they  often  utter  a  clear  and  occasion- 
ally often  repeated  chip. 


656     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

319.     Dendroica  blackburniae  (GMEL.). 
BLACKBURNIAN  WARBLER. 

Distr.:  Eastern  North  America,  west  to  eastern  Texas,  Kansas, 
and  Manitoba,  north  to  Hudson  Bay  and  Labrador;  breeds  from  the 
southern  Alleghanies,  Massachusetts,  Michigan,  and  Wisconsin  north- 
ward; south  in  winter  to  Central  America  and  northwestern  South 
America  to  Peru. 


Male.  Blackburnian  Warbler.  Tail. 

Adult  male:  Crown,  black,  with  an  orange  patch  in  the  centre; 
sides  of  head,  black,  bordered  above  by  an  orange  superciliary  stripe; 
throat  and  breast,  bright  orange;  back,  black,  more  or  less  streaked 
with  white;  belly,  pale  yellowish;  sides  streaked  with  black;  greater 
portion  of  wing  coverts,  white,  forming  a  large  white  wing  patch. 
Tail  feathers,  except  the  middle  ones,  have  the  inner  webs  of  the 
inner  feathers,  and  the  narrow  outer  web  of  the  outer  feather,  white, 
except  near  the  tips. 

Adult  female:  Upper  plumage,  grayish  olive,  streaked  with  black, 
some  of  the  feathers  edged  with  whitish;  crown  with  yellow  patch 
in  center;  superciliary  line  and  throat  pale  orange  yellow,  shading 
into  yellowish  white  on  the  belly;  sides  streaked  with  dusky. 

Immature  birds  resemble  the  female,  but  are  paler,  the  back 
browner,  and  the  yellow  crown  spot  more  restricted. 

Diagnostic  characters  in  any  plumage:  Basal  portion  of  outer  web 
of  outer  tail  feather,  white;  throat,  yellow  or  orange;  crown  with  at 
least  a  trace  of  yellow  or  orange  in  the  centre. 

Length,  5;    wing,  2.67;   tail,  2;    bill,  .34. 

The  Blackburnian  Warbler  is  a  very  common  migrant  in  Illinois 
and  Wisconsin  in  spring  and  fall  and  a  summer  resident  in  the  latter 
state.  Mr.  John  F.  Ferry  procured  a  female  with  denuded  abdomen 
and  carrying  an  insect  in  its  bill  on  July  3,  1908,  near  Trout  Lake, 
Vilas  Co.,  Wisconsin,  and  the  writer  found  the  species  not  uncommon 
in  the  same  locality  between  July  23  and  30. 

Regarding  its  nesting  in  Wisconsin,  Messrs.  Kumlien  and  Hollister 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  657 

write:  "A  few  nest  regularly  in  the  state,  even  in  the  southern  coun- 
ties, most  often  in  the  tamarack  swamps.  Eggs  have  been  taken  in 
Jefferson  County  and  young  in  Manitowoc  County  (L.  K.)."  (Birds 
of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  114.) 

The  nest  is  usually  in  evergreen  trees,  composed  of  plant  fiber, 
moss,  grass,  and  horse-hair.  The  eggs  are  4,  greenish  white,  spotted 
and  marked  with  shades  of  brown  chiefly  around  the  larger  end,  and 
measure  about  .69  x  .50  inches. 

320.     Dendroica  dominica  albilora  (Rioow.). 

SYCAMORE  WARBLER. 

Distr.:  Mississippi  Valley  region,  west  to  the  Plains,  north  to 
southern  Wisconsin  and  southern  Michigan,  east  to  the  Alleghany 
Mountains,  south  in  winter  to  Mexico  and  Central  America  to  Costa 
Rica ;  breeds  nearly  throughout  its  United  States  range  from  Illinois 
and  Ohio  southward. 

Adult  male:  Upper  parts,  ashy  gray;  throat,  bright  yellow;  rest 
of  under  parts,  white,  streaked  with  black  on  the  sides;  belly,  white, 

without  streaks;  forehead  (some- 
times greater  portion  of  crown 
also),  black;  a  white  superciliary 
stripe,  sometimes  tinged  with  yel- 
'low  near  nostril;  a  white  patch  on 
sides  of  neck;  lores,  cheeks,  and 
sides  of  throat,  black;  middle  and 
greater  wing  coverts  tipped  with 
white,  forming  wing  bands;  ter- 
minal portion  of  inner  webs  of 
three  outer  tail  feathers  marked  with  white. 

Adult  female:    Similar,  but  the  yellow  throat  somewhat  paler. 
Immature  in  jail:    Similar  to  the  female,  but  back  tinged  with 
brown,  and  under  parts,  brownish  white. 

Diagnostic   characters   in   any   plumage:    Throat,    yellow;    belly, 
white;   back,  gray  or  brownish  gray,  never  green  or  greenish. 
Length,  5;  wing,  2.60;  tail,  2;  bill,  .50. 

The  Sycamore  Warbler  is  a  common  summer  resident  in  southern 
Illinois,  frequenting  heavily  timbered  regions  where  sycamore  trees 
are  found  It  is  rare  in  northern  Illinois  and  an  accidental  straggler 
in  Wisconsin. 

Mr.  Frank  M.  Woodruff  records  an  adult  male  in  the  collection 
of  Mr.  T.  H.  Douglass,  taken  at  Waukegan,  111.,  in  the  spring  of  1876. 
(Birds  Chicago  Area,  1907,  p.  164.) 


658     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Dr.  Hoy  took  a  specimen  at  Racine,  June  20,  1848.  Messrs. 
Kumlien  and  Hollister  record  two  specimens  taken  by  Thure  Kumlien, 
one  at  Lake  Koshkonong  in  1877,  and  another  in  southern  Wisconsin 
"at  a  very  early  date,  1842-50."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  115.) 

The  nest  is  in  large  trees,  usually  pines  or  live-oaks,  and  at  a  con- 
siderable distance  from  the  ground.  It  is  composed  of  shreds  of  bark, 
plant  fiber  and  plant  down,  and  is  of  ten.  Concealed  in  hanging  masses 
of  long  "Spanish"  moss.  The  eggs  are  four  or  five,  dull  white  or 
grayish  white,  spotted  and  marked  chiefly  at  the  larger  end  with 
shades  of  brown,  and  measure  about  .71  x  .51  in. 

321.     Dendroica  virens  (GMEL.). 
BLACK-THROATED  GREEN  WARBLER. 

Distr.:  Eastern  North  America,  west  to  eastern  Texas,  Nebraska, 
and  the  Dakotas  and  north  to  northern  Quebec,  Hudson  Bay,  and  the 
Saskatchewan  region;  breeds  from  northern  Ohio  and  northern 
Illinois  northward;  in  winter  south  to  Cuba  and  Central  America 
to  Panama. 

Adult  male:  Upper  plumage,  yellowish  olive  green;  sides  of  head 
and  extreme  forehead,  yellow;  a  yellow  superciliary  stripe  and  a 


Male. 


Black-throated  Green  Warbler. 


Female. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  659 

dusky  stripe  through  the  eye;  throat  and  upper  breast,  black;  under 
parts,  white,  streaked  with  black  on  the  sides;  thighs,  pale  yellow; 
wings,  fuscous;  greater  and  middle  wing  coverts,  blackish,  edged 
with  white  at  tip,  forming  two  noticeable  white  wing  bars;  inner 
webs  of  two  outer  tail  feathers,  mostly  white,  the  third  feather  with 
white  spot  at  end;  basal  half  or  more  of  outer  web  of  outer  tail 
feather,  white. 

Female:  Similar,  but  the  throat  more  or  less  yellow  and  the  black 
on  the  breast  mixed  with  dull  whitish  (the  feathers  being  more  or 
less  edged  and  tipped  with  whitish). 

Immature:  Similar  to  the  female,  but  throat  tinged  with  pale 
yellow,  the  black  marking  on  throat  and  breast  often  absent. 

Diagnostic  characters  in  adult  plumages:  Throat  and  breast  (or 
breast  alone),  black,  or  at  least  with  traces  of  black;  sides  of  head, 
yellow;  basal  half  or  more  of  outer  web  of  outer  tail  feather,  white. 

Length,  5;  wing,  2.45;  tail,  2;  bill,  .38. 

A  common  migrant  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin  in  spring  and  fall. 
Nelson  says,  "A  few  remain  to  breed."  (Birds  N.  E.  111.,  1876,  p.  100.) 

Regarding  its  occurence  in  Wisconsin,  Messrs.  Kumlien  and  Hoi- 
lister  say:  "As  is  the  case  with  many  of  the  warblers,  this  one  occurs 
in  varying  numbers,  being  sometimes  only  fairly  common,  and  again 
greatly  abundant,  either  in  spring  or  fall.  Dr.  Hoy  wrote  that  a 
few  nest  with  us,  and  Mr.  Clark  suspects  that  they  breed  in  Dunn 
County,  as  he  has  found' them  during  the  summer  months.  Young 
just  able  to  fly  were  taken  in  Jefferson  County  in  July,  1868,  and 
adults  are  frequently  seen  in  summer  as  far  south  as  Rock,  Dane,  and 
Jefferson  Counties.  WTe  have  known  several  pairs  to  remain  in  the 
vicinity  of  Milton  all 'summer,  but  have  never  succeeded  in  finding  a 
nest."  (Birds  of  Wis.,  1903,  p.  115.) 

The  nest  is  is  a  tree,  usually  at  a  considerable  height.  The  eggs 
are  4  in  number,  white,  spotted  with  various  shades  of  brown,  and 
measure  about  .68  x  .49  inches. 

322.     Dendroica  kirtlandii  BAIRD. 
KIRTLAND'S  WARBLER. 

Distr.:  Eastern  United  States,  recorded  from  Illinois,  Minnesota, 
Missouri,  Indiana,  Michigan  (breeding),  Wisconsin,  Ohio,  Virginia, 
South  Carolina,  Florida,  Toronto,  and  Ontario ;  winters  in  the  Bahama 
Islands. 

Adult  male  in  spring:  Crown,  slaty  gray,  or  bluish  slate-color, 
usually  finely  dotted  or  narrowly  streaked  with  black;  lores  and  a 


660     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Kirtland's  Warbler. 

space  below  the  eye,  black;  a  narrow  line  of  black  across  forehead 
bordering  base  of  upper  mandible;  auricular  region,  slaty  gray,  an 
imperfect  whitish  orbital  ring,  broken  in  front;  back,  grayish  buff, 
streaked  with  black;  upper  tail  coverts,  slaty  gray;  under  parts, 
pale  yellow,  usually  with  sma(l  black  spots  on  the  breast;  sides  of 
body,  grayish,  streaked  with  black.  (Some  "male  specimens  from  the 
Bahama  Islands,  taken  in  March,  have  the  breast  practically  im- 
maculate.) Two  outer  tail  feathers  marked  with  a  patch  of  white 
on  terminal  portion  of  inner  webs,  the  white  patch  much  larger  on  the 
outer  feather  than  on  the  second ;  under  tail  coverts,  whitish ;  greater 
wing  coverts,  brownish  black,  narrowly  edged  with  grayish  white 
or  whitish. 

Adult  female  in  spring:  Similar  to  the  male,  but  back  tinged  with 
brownish  and  the  under  parts  slightly  paler  yellow,  the  breast  more 
extensively  spotted. 

Immature  birds  in  fall  and  winter  resemble  the  female,  but  have 
the  crown,  like  the  back,  without  gray,  and  the  whole  breast  thickly 
spotted  with  blackish. 

The  yellow  under  parts,  streaked  with  black  on  the  sides  and 
usually  spotted  on  the  breast,  combined  with  the  black  streaked 
back  and  grayish  rump,  will  usually  distinguish  this  species. 

Length,  5.45;  wing,  2.70;  tail,  2.35;  bill,  .38. 

Three  specimens  of  this  rare  warbler  have  been  taken  in  Illinois 
and  one  recorded  from  Wisconsin.  The  records  are  as  follows: 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  66 1 

Specimen  taken  by  Mr.  B.  T.  Gault  at  Glen  Ellyn,  Du  Page  Co., 
Illinois,  May  7,  1894  (Auk.,  1894,  p.  258). 

Specimen  taken  by  Mr.  J.  E.  Dickinson  in  Winnebago  Co.,  Il- 
linois, May  25,  1894  (L.  Jones,  Wilson  Orn.  Chapter,  Bull.  No.  4, 
Jan.,  1895,  p.  14). 

Male  shot  by  Mr.  Eliot  Blackwelder  in  Morgan  Park,  Chicago, 
May  22,  1899  (Auk,  Vol.  XVI,  1899,  p.  360). 

A  specimen  shot,  wounded,  and  picked  up,  but  which  fluttered 
away  and  escaped,  Lake  Koshkonong,  Wisconsin  (Kumlien  and  Hoi- 
lister,  Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  133). 

Mr.  Norman  A.  Wood  found  it  breeding  in  Oscoda  County,  Michi- 
gan in  July,  1903,  and  procured  a  nest  and  egg  and  fifteen  specimens 
of  old  and  young  birds  (Bull.  Mich.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  V,  1905,  p.  5). 

Mr.  Otto  Widmann  took  a  male  bird  of  this  species  near  the  city 
limits  of  St.  Louis,  on  May  8,  1885  (The  Auk,  Vol.  II,  1885,  p.  382). 

323.     Dendroica  vigorsii  (Aim.). 

PINE  WARBLER. 

Distr.:  Eastern  United  States,  from  the  Plains  to  the  Atlantic 
coast,  north  to  Manitoba  and  Ontario;  breeding  from  Florida  and 
the  Gulf  states  northward  throughout  its  range ;  winters  in  the  south 
Atlantic  and  Gulf  states  and  the  Bahama  Islands. 

Adult  male  in  summer:  Upper  parts,  yellowish  olive  green;  sides 
of  head  and  neck,  olive  green;  a  somewhat  faint  and  often  obscure 
yellow  superciliary  stripe;  under  parts  (except  belly),  yellow;  sides 
of  breast,  streaked  with  olive;  belly,  whitish  or  grayish  white:  wing?, 
fuscous  brown, edged  with  grayish  white  on  inner  webs ;  wing  coverts, 
tipped  with  grayish  white  or  ashy,  forming  two  ashy  wing  bands  (not 
white) ;  tail,  fuscous  brown,  the  outer  feather  largely  white  on  inner 
web,  the  second  with  patch  of  white  at  end  of  inner  web. 

•  Adult  female  in  summer:  Similar,  but  the  upper  parts,  grayish 
olive;  throat  and  breast,  pale  olive  yellow,  shading  into  dull  white 
or  brownish  white  on  the  belly. 

Immature  in  fall  and  winter:  Resembles  adult  female,  but  upper 
parts,  brownish  olive;  throat  and  breast  tinged  with  pale  yellow, 
rest  of  under  parts,  grayish  white  or  brownish  white,  more  distinctly 
brownish  on  the  sides  of  the  body. 

Length,  5.35;  wing,  2.90;  tail,  2,20;  bill,  .42. 

The  Pine  Warbler  is  a  common  migrant  throughout  Illinois  and 
Wisconsin  and  a  summer  resident  in  suitable  localities.  Its  usual 
song  is  a  delightful  little  trilling  whistle. 


662     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

"It  has  been  found  feeding  its  young  in  the  heavy  timber  of  the 
Wabash  bottom  lands  near  Mt.  Carmel."  (Ridgway,  Orn.  of  111., 
1889,  p.  153).  Mr.  E.  W.  Nelson  considered  it  a  common  migrant  in 
northeastern  Illinois  and  says:  "The  first  of  July,  1874,  I  found  a 
large  number  of  these  birds  with  young  just  old  enough  to  follow 
their  parents  in  the  'Pinery'  and  presume  they  nest  there  regularly." 
(Birds  N.  E.  111.,  1876,  p.  100.) 

According  to  Kumlien  and  Hollister  it  is :  "A  fairly  common  summer 
resident  in  the  pine  regions.  Migratory  in  the  hardwood  districts 
of  southern  Wisconsin.  Much  more  common  along  Lake  Michigan 
than  in  the  interior.  A  rather  early  arrival  in  the  spring,  generally 
preceding  the  majority  of  the  warblers  by  several  days.  Although 
we  have  never  found  the  nest  we  have  noted  this  bird  at  various 
northern  points  in  June  and  July.  Dr.  Hoy  gives  it  as  breeding  in 
the  northern  pine  forests."  (Birds  of  Wis.,  1903,  p.  115.) 

The  nest  is  built  in  a  high  tree,  usually  in  a  pine  or  cedar.  The 
eggs  are  four  or  five,  dull  white  or  grayish  white,  spotted  and  speck- 
led with  brown  and  lilac-gray  chiefly  around  the  larger  end,  and 
measure  about  .70  x  .53  inches. 


324.     Dendroica  palmarum  (GMEL.). 
PALM  WARBLER.     RED-POLL  WARBLER. 

Distr.:  Chiefly  interior  of  North  America,  breeding  in  the  far 
north  (Hudson  Bay  and  Mackenzie  region) ;  south  in  winter  to  east- 
ern Mexico  and  the  West  Indies;  casual  in  the  Atlantic  states  during 
migrations. 


Palm  Warbler. 


Adult  male:  Crown,  chestnut;  back,  grayish  olive  brown;  upper 
tail  coverts,  yellowish  olive;  a  yellow  superciliary  stripe;  a  dusky 
spot  in  front  of  and  behind  the  eye;  auricular  region,  grayish  brown; 
throat  and  under  tail  coverts,  clear  pale  yellow;  belly,  grayish,  some- 
times'tinged  with  yellow;  breast  and  sides  of  throat  more  or  less 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  663 

streaked  with  pale  chestnut  brown;  sides  and  flanks  usually  with 
obscure  streaks  of  the  same;  no  noticeable  wing  bands;  inner  webs 
of  two  outer  tail  feathers  with  nearly  square  cut  white  spaces  at  tips. 

The  sexes  are  similar. 

Immature:  Similar  to  adult,  but  much  more  brownish  olive  above; 
the  markings  less  distinct,  and  less  yellow  on  the  under  parts. 

Diagnostic  characters  in  any  plumage:  Shape  of  white  tail  spots 
on  two  outer  feathers  (see  cut),  combined  with  pale  brownish  wing 
bars  (never  white),  formed  by  the  tips  of  the  wing  coverts. 

Length,  5.10;   wing,  2.55;   tail,  2;   bill,  .38. 

The  Palm  Warbler  is  an  abundant  migrant  in  spring  and  fall  in 
Illinois  and  Wisconsin.  Its  song  is  a  sweet  trill. 

325.     Dendroica  discolor  (VIEILL.). 
PRAIRIE  WARBLER. 

Distr.:  Eastern  United  States,  west  to  Kansas  and  Nebraska, 
breeding  from  Florida  to  southern  New  England  and  Michigan; 
winters  in  Florida  and  the  West  Indies. 

Adult  male:  Upper  plumage,  bright  olive  green,  the  back  marked 
and  spotted  with  chestnut;  a  yellow  line  over  the  eye  and  a  yellow  spot 


Prairie  Warbler. 

under  the  eye,  bordered  below  on  side  of  throat  by  a  short  black 
stripe;  throat  and  under  parts,  bright  yellow,  streaked  with  black 
on  sides  of  breast  and  body;  wing  coverts  tipped  with  yellow,  form- 
ing pale  yellow  wing  bars;  three  outer  tail  feathers  with  white  patch 
on  inner  webs;  outer  web  of  outer  tail  feather,  white,  except  near 
the  tip. 

Adult  female:    Similar,  but  somewhat  paler  and  with  but  little 
or  no  chestnut  on  the  back. 


664     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Immature:  Upper  parts  more  grayish  olive ;  wing  bars,  absent,  or 
only  slightly  indicated  by  dull  whitish;  sides  obscurely  streaked  with 
olive  instead  of  black. 

Diagnostic  characters  for  adults:  Wing  bars,  yellow,  and  under 
parts,  including  belly,  yellow. 

Length,  4.65;  wing,  2.15;  tail,  2;  bill,  .36. 

The  Prairie  Warbler  must  be  considered  a  rather  rare  bird  in 
Illinois  and  a  rare  straggler  in  Wisconsin.  Mr.  Isaac  E.  Hess  writes 
me  he  has  taken  it  at  Philo,  Champaign  Co.,  Illinois,  and  Mr.  Ridgway 
took  a  specimen  at  Mt.  Carmel,  111.  Mr.  L.  E.  Wyman  shot  a  male 
at  Riverside,  near  Chicago,  on  May  8,  1907  (The  Auk,  Vol.  XXV,  1908, 
p.  87),  and  another  specimen,  a  female,  was  shot  by  Mr.  John  F. 
Ferry  on  May  22,  1907,  at  Lake  Forest,  Illinois.  Nelson  considered 
it  "a  very  rare  spring  and  summer  visitant."  But  few  specimens 
have  been  taken  in  the  vicinity  of  Chicago.  Mr.  Frank  M.  Woodruff 
writes:  "Mr.  George  Clingman  informs  me  that  he  took  a  pair  at 
Bryn  Mawr,  Chicago,  during  the  second  week  of  June,  1878.  He  also 
took  a  nest  and  eggs  of  this  species  at  Forty-eighth  Street  and  Vin- 
cennes  Ave.,  Chicago,  on  May  22,  1892."  (Birds  of  the  Chicago 
Area,  1907,  p.  169.) 

It  has  also  been  recorded  as  breeding  by  Mr.  D.  H.  Eaton  at 
Peotone,  Will  County,  Illinois  (Forest  and  Stream,  Vol.  XI,  Aug., 
1878,  p.  47);  by  Mr.  A.  H.  Mundt  at  Fairbury,  Livingston  Co., 
Illinois  (Ornithologist  and  Oologist,  Vol.  VIII,  Feb.,  1883,  p.  9),  and 
by  Mr.  W.  E.  Loucks  at  Peoria,  Illinois  (Oologist,  1891,  p.  224). 

Dr.  Hoy  says:  "A  few  are  occasionally  seen  about  the  middle  of 
May.  Rare  in  Wisconsin."  (Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phila.,  Vol.  IV, 
1853,  p.  311.)  Messrs.  Kumlien  and  Hollister  record  a  specimen 
taken  by  Thure  Kumlien  at  an  early  date  at  Lake  Koshkonong. 
(Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  116.) 

The  nest  is  built  in  a  small  tree  or  bush  and  is  composed  of  plant 
fiber,  shreds  of  leaves,  etc.,  and  lined  with  plant  down  and  hair. 
The  eggs  are  4  or  5,  white  or  buffy  white,  spotted  with  brown  chiefly 
around  the  larger  end,  and  measure  about  .64  x  .47  inches. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  665 

Genus   SEIURUS   Swainson. 
326.     Seiurus  aurocapillus  (LINN.). 
OVEN-BIRD. 

Distr.:  Eastern  North  America,  west  to  the  eastern  slope  of  the 
Rocky  Mountains ;  breeds  from,  northern  Mississippi  and  Kansas 
northward  to  northern  Quebec,  Hudson  Bay,  and  Alaska;  south  in 
winter  to  the  West  Indies,  Central  America,  and  Colombia,  S.  A. 


Adult:  Crown,  with  broad  stripe  of  orange  brown  in  the  centre, 
bordered  by  narrow  stripes  of  black;  sides  of  head,  dull  olive  brown; 
throat,  white,  with  narrow  black  stripe;  sides,  upper  parts,  wings 
and  tail,  brownish  olive;  wings,  without  bars;  under  parts,  white, 
heavily  streaked  on  breast  and  sides  with  black;  no  white  on  tail. 

Sexes,  similar. 

Length,  6.05;   wing,  2.90;   tail,  2.25;    bill,  .45;   tarsus,  .82. 

The  Oven-bird  is  a  common  summer  resident  in  wooded  districts 
of  Illinois  and  Wisconsin  from  May  until  the  latter  part  of  September. 
It  has  a  delightful  warbling  song  far  different  from  its  usual  familiar 
notes,  but  which  is  apparently  reserved  for  special  occasions,  as 
it  is  not  often  heard  and  rarely  or  never,  except  after  sundown. 
The  more  common  song  may  be  described  as  wee-chee,  wee-chee,  wee- 
chee,  wee-chee,  wee-chee,  wee-chee,  wee-chee,  wee-chee,  wee-chee  repeated 
rapidly  and  with  gradually  increasing  power. 

Nidification  begins  in  May.  The  nest  is  a  covered,  oven-like 
structure  on  the  ground,  w'ith  the  entrance  on  the  side  often  concealed 
by  vegetation,  and  composed  of  grass,  weeds,  and  leaves.  The  eggs 
are  4  or  5,  dull  white,  unevenly  spotted  and  speckled  with  brown, 
and  measure  about  .79  x  .60  inches. 


666     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

327.     Seiurus  noveboracensis  (GMEL.). 
WATER-THRUSH.* 

Distr.:  Eastern  North  America,  west  to  Illinois  and  north  to 
Hudson  Bay  and  Ungava;  breeds  from  the  northern  United  States 
northward;  winters  in  the  West  Indies,  Central  America,  and  north- 
ern South  America. 

Adult:  Upper  parts,  including  wings  and  tail,  uniform  olive  brown ; 
no  white  on  wings  or  tail  and  no  wing  bars ;  a  buff y  white  superciliary 
line;  throat  and  under  parts,  pale  sul- 
phur   yellow,     heavily    streaked    with 
blackish,   except  on  the  middle  of  the 
belly;  chin  and  upper  throat  speckled. 
Sexes  similar. 

Length,  5.70;  wing,  2.95;  tail,  2.10; 
bill,  about  .50. 

The  Mississippi  Valley  region  seems 
to  be  the  dividing  line  between  the 
eastern  and  western  forms  of  this 
species,  and  as  would  be  expected,  a  large  number  of  intermediates 
occur  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  in  fact,  typical  examples  of  5.  nove- 
boracensis are  by  no  means  common.  The  Field  Museum  possesses  a 
well  marked  specimen  of  this  species  (No.  5104)  taken  by  Mr.  H.  K. 
Coale  at  Grand  Crossing,  111.,  May  2,  1887.  It  occurs  as  a  migrant 
in  southern  Illinois,  and  Ridgway  gives  it  as  sometimes  common  in 
the  latter  half  of  August  at  Mt.  Carmel,  111.  (Orn.  of  111.,  1889,  p. 
162.) 

Mr.  E.  W.  Nelson  (Birds  of  N.  E.  Illinois,  1876,  p.  100)  says:  "An 
abundant  migrant,  April  i  to  May  10  and  August  25  to  October  25. 
Found  everywhere  in  damp  woods  or  along  the  banks  of  streams 
during  the  migrations.  A  few  remain  to  breed  in  secluded  woods." 

In  Wisconsin  Messrs.  Kumlien  and  Hollister  consider  this  species 
to  be  more  common  than  its  western  race  (5.  n.  notabilis)  and  state 
that:  "It  breeds  sparingly  in  the  southern  counties  and  more  com- 
monly and  regularly  farther  north."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903, 
p.  116.) 

The  nest  is  hidden  in  a  mossy  bank  or  on  ground  in  swampy 
places.  The  eggs  are  4  or  5,  white  or  cream  white,  marked  with 
brown  chiefly  at  the  larger  end,  and  measure  about  .75  x.  58  inches. 

*  Although  called  Water-thrush  from  long  usage,  the  name  is  unfortunate  as  likely  to  be 
more  or  less  misleading  to  the  student.  The  name  Wag-tail  Warblers  as  used  by  Dr.  Coues  would 
seem  more  appropriate  for  these  birds. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  667 

327a.     Seiurus  noveboracensis  notabilis   (Rioow.). 
GRINNELL'S  WATER-THRUSH. 

Distr.:  Western  United  States,  east  to  Illinois  and  Mississippi 
Valley  and  casual  to  the  Atlantic  coast ;  breeds  chiefly  from  northern 
Minnesota  and  western  Nebraska  northward  to  the  Mackenzie  region 
and  Alaska;  in  winter  from  southern  border  of  United  States  to 
Central  America,  the  West  Indies  and  northern  South  America. 

Grinnell's  Water-thrush  differs  from  the  eastern  bird,  5.  nove- 
boracensis, in  being  larger  and  having  the  upper  parts  darker,  more 
grayish  olive  than  brownish  olive,  and  the  superciliary  stripe  and 
under  parts  decidedly  whiter. 

Wing,  2.90  to  3.20;  bill,  .45  to  .55  inches. 

An  abundant  migrant  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin  in  spring  and  fall. 
While  numerous  intermediates  occur,  typical  examples  are  not  un- 
common. Prof.  Ridgway  says:  "Examples  collected  by  me  in  Rich- 
land  and  Wabash  Counties,  Illinois,  and  in  Knox  County,  Indiana 
(near  Wheatland),  are  very  typical  of  this  race."  (Orn.  111.,  1889, 
p.  163.) 

According  to  Kumlien  and  Hollister,  it  is  a  regular  migrant,  even 
in  the  southeastern  part  of  the  state.  They  say:  "Specimens  of  this 
race  were  identified  by  Mr.  William  Brewster  among  the  water- 
thrushes  sent  for  his  inspection."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  117.) 

328.     Seiurus  motacilla  (VIEILL.). 
LOUISIANA  WATER-THRUSH. 

Distr.:  Eastern  United  States  and  southern  Canada,  west  to 
Iowa,  eastern  Kansas  and  eastern  Texas,  north  to  southern  New 
England  and  southern  Michigan,  southern  Wisconsin  and  southern 
Minnesota;  breeds  throughout  its  United  States  range,  except  south- 
ern Florida ;  winters  from  southern  border  of  United  States  southward 
to  the  Greater  Antilles,  Mexico,  and  Central  America  to  northern 
South  America. 

Adult:  Resembles  somewhat  5.  noveboracensis,  but  bill  larger  and 
the  pale  yellow  of  the  under  parts  replaced  by  white,  shading  into 
pale  buff  on  the  flanks,  abdomen,  and  under  tail  coverts;  superciliary 
line,  white. 

Sexes  similar. 

Length,  6.15;   wing,  3.15;   tail,  2.25;   bill,  .55. 

The  Louisiana  Water-thrush  is  a  common  summer  resident  in 
southern  Illinois,  and  of  casual  occurrence  in  parts  of  northern  Illinois 


668     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

and  southern  Wisconsin.  Frequents  thick  woods  in  the  vicinity  of 
water.  Its  song  is  delightful,  a  complicated  warble  difficult  to  de- 
scribe, but  which  begins  loud,  and  gradually  dies  away. 

Mr.  Isaac  E.  Hess  informs  me  he  took  a  nest  with  five  eggs  near 
Philo,  Champaign  Co.,  Illinois,  on  June  9,  1907.  Messrs.  Kumlien 
and  Hollister  record  half  a  dozen  specimens  taken  in  Wisconsin  during 
the  past  50  years;  one  in  Walworth  County,  another  in  Milwaukee 
County,  and  the  others  about  Lake  Koshkonong.  (Birds  of  Wiscon- 
sin, 1903,  p.  117.) 

The  nest  is  large  and  is  composed  of  leaves,  fine  twigs,  and  grass 
or  moss,  hidden  in  a  mossy  bank  or  beneath  old  logs  and  roots  of  dead 
trees.  The  eggs  are  5  or  6,  dull  white,  speckled  and  spotted  with 
brown,  and  measure  about  .74  x  .59  inches. 


Genus  OPORORNIS  Baird. 

329.     Oporornis  formosa  (WiLS.). 

KENTUCKY  WTARBLER. 

Geothlypis  formosa  (Wils.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  282. 
Distr.:    Eastern  United  States,  west  to  Kansas  and  Nebraska; 
breeds  from  the  Gulf  states  to  southern  New  England,   southern 
Michigan  and  Iowa;   winters  in  the  West  Indies,  eastern  Mexico,  and 
Central  America  to  Panama. 

Adult  male  and  female  in  spring:  Crown  and  sides  of  head,  black, 
extending  in  a  streak  on  sides  of  throat ;  a  yellow  superciliary  stripe ; 
upper  parts,  wings  and  tail,  olive 
green ;  under  parts,  clear  bright  yellow, 
shading  to  olive  on  sides ;  no  white  on 
wings  or  tail. 

Adults  in  fall  and  winter:    Similar, 
but  black  feathers  on  the  crown  edged 
with  grayish  olive. 
Immature  in  fall:    Similar,  but  the  black  markings  replaced  by 
dusky  or  entirely  absent. 

Length,  5.50;  wing,  2.55;  tail,  2;   bill,  .38: 

A  common  summer  resident  in  southern  Illinois,  but  rare  in 
northern  Illinois  and  southern  Wisconsin. 

Mr.  Isaac  E.  Hess  informs  me  he  has  taken  several  sets  of  eggs  of 
this  species  in  Putnam  amd  Champaign  Counties,  Illinois.  Mr.  H.  S. 
Swarth  took  4  specimens  and  observed  several  others  of  both  sexes 
at  Joliet,  Illinois,  between  May  13  and  29,  1907.  Dr.  Joseph  L.  Han- 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN- — CORY. 


669 


cock  took  a  female  near  Grand  Crossing,  Chicago,  on  May  23,  1887. 
(The  Auk,  1888,  p.  210.)  Mr.  Frank  M.  Woodruff  records  a  specimen 
taken  by  Mr.  George  Klingman  at  Bryn  Mawr,  Chicago,  during  the 
first  week  in  May,  1892  (Birds  of  the  Chicago  Area,  1907,  p.  173),  and 
there  are  other  records. 

In  Wisconsin  Dr.  Hoy  "shot  one  near  Racine  May,  10,  1851." 
(Proc.  Phil.  Acad.  Sci.,  1853,  p.  311)  and  according  to  Kumlien  and 
Hollister,  there  are  six  other  records  for  the  state,  all  taken  at  Lake 
Koshkonong  in  spring  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  117). 

The  nest  is  large,  built  on  the  ground  in  woods  and  is  composed  of 
leaves,  small  twigs,  etc.  The  eggs  are  4  to  5,  white,  speckled  and 
marked  with  rufous  and  umber  brown,  and  measure  about  .73  x  .57 
inches. 

330.     Oporornis  agilis  (WiLS.). 
CONNECTICUT  WARBLER. 

Geothlypis  agilis  (Wils.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  282. 

Distr.:  Eastern  United  States  and  British  Provinces,  north  to 
Ontario  and  Manitoba;  breeds  chiefly  from  Minnesota  northward; 
south  in  winter  to  the  Bahama  Islands  and  northern  South  America. 


Adult  male:  Wings  decidedly  longer  than  the  tail;  head,  throat, 
and  breast,  ashy  gray,  darkest  on  the  crown  and  palest  on  the  chin; 
a  white  eye  ring;  rest  of  upper  plumage,  olive  green;  wings  and  tail, 
fuscous  brown,  more  or  less  edged  with  olive  and  without  white; 
belly  and  crissum,  yellow;  sides  tinged  with  olive  green.  In  full 
breeding  plumage  the  breast  becomes  very  dark,  almost  black. 

Adult  female:  Characters  as  in  the  male,  but  slate  color  of  the 
head  replaced  by  brownish  olive  or  grayish  olive;  chin  and  throat, 
brownish  buff,  becoming  darker  on  the  breast;  eye  ring,  whitish  or 
bufjy  white. 


670     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

This  species  somewhat  resembles  the  Mourning  Warbler,  but  the 
eye  ring  should  distinguish  it. 

Length,  5.45;  wing,  2.90;  tail,  2.15;  bill,  .42. 

The  Connecticut  Warbler  is  a  not  uncommon  migrant  in  spring 
and  fall  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  and  according  to  Kumlien  and  Hoi- 
lister  a  few  breed  in  the  latter  state ;  although  the  majority  go  farther 
north.  They  say:  "In  Jefferson  County  a  pair  was  found,  June  16, 
1874  (L.  K.),  putting  the  finishing  touches  upon  their  nest.  It  was 
placed  on  the  ground  in  a  dense  thicket  of  hazel,  briars,  etc.  Though 
the  nest  was  not  touched  they  abandoned  it,  but  bred  in  the  same 
thicket;  the  nest,  however,  could  never  be  found.  Has  been  found 
in  the  dense  tamarack  swamps  of  Jefferson  County  in  July,  on  several 
occasions  when  it  was,  without  question,  nesting,  and  we  have  no 
doubt  that  a  considerable  number  nest  within  the  state.  It  is  the 
very  last  warbler  to  pass  northward  in  the  spring.  Many  observers 
fail  to  find  this  species.  Mr.  Clark  has  not,  as  yet,  taken  it  in  Dunn 
County,  and  it  was  not  found  in  the  state  by  King,  Grundtvig,  or 
Willard."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  117.) 

331.     Oporornis  Philadelphia  (WiLS.). 
MOURNING  WTARBLER. 

Geothlypis  Philadelphia  (Wils.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  283. 
Distr.:  Eastern  United  States  and  southern  British  Provinces, 
west  to  Manitoba,  the  Dakotas,  and  Kansas;  breeds  from  Penn- 
sylvania, New  York,  northern  Michigan,  and  northern  Wisconsin 
northward;  south  in  winter  to  Central  America  and  northern  South 
America. 

Adult  male  in  summer:  Head  and  sides  of  neck,  ash-gray;  throat, 
grayish,  mixed  with  black,  shading  into  black  on  the  breast  (in  full 

breeding  plumage  the  whole  throat 
and  breast,  black) ;  no  white  eye  ring; 
rest  of  upper  parts,  clear  olive  green; 
under     parts     (except     throat     and 
breast),  yellow;  wings,  slaty  brown, 
edged  with  olive ;  tail  strongly  washed 
wth  olive;  no  white  on  wings  or  tail. 
Adult  male  in  fall:    Similar,  but 
black  feathers  on  throat  and  breast 
edged  with  gray. 
Adult  female  in  summer:    Similar  to  adult  male,  but  throat  and 
breast  gray,  palest  on  chin. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  671 

Length,  5.50;   wing,  2.50;   tail,  2.20;   bill,  .33. 

The  Mourning  Warbler  is  not  uncommon  during  the  migrations 
in  spring  and  fall  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  and  is  a  summer  resident 
in  the  northern  part  of  the  latter  state.  Although  I  know  of  no  record 
of  the  eggs  having  actually  been  taken  in  Wisconsin,  Mr.  John  F. 
Ferry  observed  two  different  parent  birds  feeding  their  young  in 
different  localities  and  procured  specimens  near  Woodruff,  Vilas 
County,  on  July  7,  1908. 

Macgillivray's  Warbler,  Oporornis  tolmiei,  a  western  species,  is 
recorded  as  having  been  taken  by  Mr.  H.  K.  Coale  at  Wolf  Lake, 
Indiana,  June  i,  1876,  a  few  hundred  yards  from  the  Illinois  state 
line,  and,  therefore,  not  strictly  within  our  limits.  The  specimen  is 
now  in  the  British  Museum  (Sharpe,  Cat.  Birds  Brit.  Mus.,  Vol.  X, 
1885,  p.  365). 

Genus   GEOTHLYPIS  Caban. 

332.     Geothlypis  trichas  (LiNN.). 
MARYLAND  YELLOW-THROAT. 

Distr.:  North  America,  from  the  western  portion  of  the  Great 
Plains  eastward,  north  to  Athabaska,  Hudson  Bay,  and  southern 
Labrador;  breeds  from  Virginia  and  Tennessee  northward  and  per- 
haps farther  south ;  winters  from  the  Gulf  states  southward  to  the 
Bahamas,  Greater  Antilles,  Mexico,  and  Central  America  to  Costa 
Rica. 

Adult  male  in  summer:  A  broad  mask-like  black  band  on  front 
and  sides  of  head,  bordered  behind  by  pale  ash;  upper  plumage,  dull 


Maryland  Yellow-thioat. 


olive  green,  often  with  faint  brownish  tinge  on  the  crown;    throat, 
breast,  and  under  tail  coverts,  yellow;   belly,  whitish;    sides  of  body 


672     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY- — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

tinged  with  pale  brown;  bend  of  wing,  yellow;  no  wing  bars;  no 
white  on  tail. 

Adult  male  in  fall:  Similar,  but  feathers  of  black  mask  tipped 
with  gray;  back  and  sides  browner. 

Adult  female  in  summer:  No  black  mask  on  head;  forehead  more 
or  less  tinged  with  brown;  sides  of  head  grayish  olive;  under  parts 
much  paler  yellow,  shading  to  whitish  qn  belly;  otherwise  similar  to 
adult  male. 

Immature  in  fall:  The  male  has  the  dark  mask  only  partially 
developed  and  often  merely  indicated  by  dusky;  sides  more  strongly 
tinged  with  buffy  brown.  The  female  has  the  under  parts  strongly 
tinged  with  buff,  shading  to  brownish  on  the  sides  and  flanks. 

Length,  4.85;  wing,  2.20;  tail,  2.10;   bill,  .40. 

The  Maryland  Yellow-throat  is  a  very  common  summer  resident 
in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  where  it  frequents  thickets  and  bushes. 

Breeds  in  May  and  June.  The  nest  is  on  or  near  the  ground,  cup- 
shaped  and  composed  of  shreds  of  bark,  leaves,  and  grass.  The  eggs 
are  4  or  5,  pure  white,  speckled  with  dull  rufous  and  dark  brown 
chiefly  at  the  larger  end,  and  measure  about  .71  x  .53  inches. 

The  note  is  clear  and  comparatively  loud.  Mr.  Frank  M.  Chapman 
happily  suggests  that  the  song  of  this  bird  be  written  "/  beseech  you, 
I  beseech  you,  I  beseech  you,  I  beseech  you."  It  varies  considerably 
however,  and  at  times  resembles  we-chee-chu  repeated  several  times 
with  the  accent  on  the  first  instead  of  the  third  syllable. 

Geothlypis  trichas  brachidactyla  (Swainson)  is  no  longer  recognized 
as  separable  from  G.  trichas. 


Genus  ICTERIA   Vieill. 

333.     Icteria  virens  (LINN.). 

YELLOW-BREASTED  CHAT. 

Distr.:  Eastern  United  States,  west  to  the  Dakotas,  Kansas,  and 
eastern  Texas,  north  to  southern  Ontario,  southern  New  England, 
southern  Wisconsin,  and  southern  Minnesota,  breeding  throughout 
its  United  States  range;  winters  in  eastern  Mexico  and  Central 
America  to  Costa  Rica. 

Adult:  Strikingly  different  in  size  and  appearance',  from  all  other 
local  species,  belonging  to  this  family.*  Upper  plumage,  bright 

*Since  the  monotypic  genus  Icteria  was  placed  in  the  family  Mniotiltidae 
by  Professor  Baird  in  1858,  his  view  in  the  matter  has  been  generally  accepted 
by  Ornithologists  (albeit  in  some  cases  with  more  or  less  hesitation)  as  being 
the  best  way  out  of  a  rather  difficult  problem. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  673 

olive  green;  wings  and  tail,  unmarked  and  glossed  with  olive  green; 
throat  and  breast,  bright  golden  yellow;  under  wing  coverts,  yellow; 
belly,  white;  sides  tinged  with  ashy;  lores,  black,  shading  into  gray 


Yellow-breasted  Chat. 

on  the  auricular  region;  a  stripe  over  the  eye  and  lower  eyelid, 
white;  a  short  white  maxillary  line.  Sexes  similar. 

Length,  about  7 . 10 ;  wing,  .3;   tail,  3.15;   bill,  .55. 

The  Yellow-breasted  Chat  is  a  common  summer  resident  in  suitable 
localities  in  Illinois  and  southern  Wisconsin.  Frequents  thick  under- 
•growth  and  shrubbery.  The  majority  arrive  from  the  south  early 
in  May. 

Breeds  in  May  and  June.  The  nest  is  rather  large,  built  in  thick 
bushes,  and  composed  of  shreds  of  bark,  leaves,  and  coarse  grasses, 
lined  with  finer  grasses.  The  eggs  are  from  3  to  5,  white  or  cream 
white,  spotted  and  speckled  with  various  shades  of  brown  and  purplish 
gray,  and  measure  about  .90  x  .65  inches. 

In  writing  of  this  species  Dr.  Elliott  Coues  says:  "An  exclusive 
inhabitant  of  low  tangled  undergrowth,  and  oftener  heard  than  seen, 
except  during  the  mating  season,  when  it  performs  the  extravagant 
aerial  evolutions  for  which,  as  well  as  for  the  variety  and  volubility 
of  its  song,  it  is  noted." 


674     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Genus   WILSONIA    Bonap. 

334.     Wilsonia  citrina  (BODDAERT). 

HOODED  WARBLER. 

Sylvania  mitrata  (Gmel.) ,  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  285. 
Distr.:  Eastern  United  States,  west  t<o  Kansas  and  Nebraska  and 
north  to  southern  Wisconsin,  southern  Ontario,  New  York  and 
southern  New  England;  breeds  nearly  throughout  its  United  States 
range;  winters  in  the  West  Indies,  Mexico,  and  Central  America  to 
Panama. 

Adult  male:  A  bright  yellow  mask  (gamboge  yellow)  or  hood, 
including  front  of  crown  and  sides  of  head;  rest  of  head  and  throat, 
black;  rest  of  upper  parts,  olive  green; 
rest  of  under  parts,  gamboge  yellow; 
wings,  slaty  brown,  edged  with  olive; 
tail  feathers,  slaty  brown,  edged  with 
olive;  three  outer  tail  feathers  marked 
with  white,  the  first  and  second,  white 
on  terminal  portion  of  inner  webs  for  at 
least  half  their  length,  the  white  patch 
on  the  third  much  smaller. 

Adult  female:  No  black  on  throat, 
which  is  entirely  yellow ;  black  on  head  often  mixed  with  olive  and 
restricted  to  a  comparatively  narrow  area  bordering  the  yellow  on 
forehead  and  sides  of  head;  otherwise  resembles  the  adult  male. 

Immature  male:  Similar  to  adult  male,  but  black  feathers  more 
or  less  tipped  with  yellow. 

Immature  female:  Resembles  the  adult  female,  but  no  black 
whatever  on  head;  entire  upper  parts,  including  top  of  head,  olive 
green. 

Adults  in  fall  and  winter:  Apparently  little  or  no  variation  from 
summer  plumage. 

Length,  5.50;  wing,  2.55;  tail,  2.40;  bill,  .38. 

The  Hooded  Warbler  is  an  abundant  summer  resident  in  southern 
Illinois,  but  occurs  casually  in  northern  Illinois  and  Wisconsin. 
According  to  Mr.  F.  M.  Woodruff  a  specimen  was  taken  by  Mr.  B.  T. 
Gault  at  River  Forest,  Illinois,  May  n,  1881,  and  another  was  killed 
by  a  boy  with  a  sling  shot  in  Hyde  Park,  Chicago,  April  28,  1884 
(Birds  of  the  Chicago  Area,  1907,  p.  176). 

Mr.  Isaac  E.  Hess  informs  me  he  has  found  it  breeding  near  Philo, 
Champaign  County,  Illinois,  and  took  a  set  of  5  eggs,  May  30,  1897. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  675 

Mr.  W.  W.  Cooke  records  specimens  taken  at  Chicago,  March  28, 
1884,  and  May  3,  1895. 

Another  record  for  the  vicinity  of  Chicago  is  that  of  an  adult  male 
taken  by  Mr.  H.  K.  Coale,  Chicago,  111.,  May  5th  (Sharpe,  Cat.  Birds 
Brit.  Mus.,  Vol.  X,  1885,  p.  439). 

Messrs.  Kumlien  and  Hollister  say:  "Not  an  uncommon  migrant 
along  Lake  Michigan  in  southern  Wisconsin  and  it  undoubtedly 
breeds  to  the  northward  of  Milwaukee.  Much  less  common  in  the 
interior  than  along  the  lake  shore.  We  have  seen  this  species  re- 
peatedly at  Two  Rivers  in  July,  but  in  Jefferson,  Dane,  and  Rock 
counties  only  in  the  spring  migration  in  May.  We  have  also  taken 
specimens  at  Milwaukee  in  the  latter  part  of  May."  (Birds  of  Wis- 
consin, 1903,  p.  119.) 

The  nest  is  in  low  bushes  in  swampy  woods.  The  eggs  are  3  or  4, 
usually  4,  white  or  buffy  white,  speckled  and  marked  chiefly  at  the 
larger  end  with  dark  brown  and  brownish  gray  and  occasionally  a 
few  specks  of  black.  Size,  about  .70  x  .54  inches. 

335.     Wilsonia  pusilla  (WiLs.). 

WILSON'S  WARBLER. 

Sylvania  pusilla  (Wils.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  285. 

Distr.:  Eastern  North  America,  west  to  the  Rocky  Mountains, 
north  to  Labrador,  Hudson  Bay,  and  Alaska;  breeds  from  northern 
New  England  and  southern  British  Provinces  northward;  south  in 
winter  to  Mexico  and  Central  America. 

Adult  male:  Crown,  glossy  black ;  forehead,  a  line  over  the  eye  and 
under  parts,  bright  yellow;  upper  parts,  olive  green;  sides  tinged 


W.hon's  Warbler. 


with  olive;    wings  and  tail,  slaty  brown,  edged  with  olive;    no  wing 
bars  and  no  white  spots  on  'bail. 


676     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Adult  female:  Similar  to  the  adult  male,  but  usually  (not  always 
with  black  cap  on  crown  more  restricted  and  more  or  less  obscured 
by  the  feathers  being  tipped  with  olive.  In  some  adult  females  the 
black  is  entirely  absent,  the  crown  being  olive  green  like  the  back. 

Immature:   Similar,  but  without  the  black  cap. 

The  plumage  of  adults  in  fall  and  winter  apparently  varies  but 
little  from  that  of  spring. 

Length,  4. 80;  wing,  2.25;   tail,  2;   bill,  .32. 

Wilson's  Warbler  occurs  more  or  less  commonly  as  a  migrant  in 
spring  and  fall  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  and  according  to  Messrs. 
Kumlien  and  Hollister,  a  few  remain  to  breed  in  the  northern  part  of 
the  latter  state.  They  say:  "A  common  migrant  in  southern  Wis- 
consin, passing  northward  late,  often  as  late  as  the  first  week  of  June. 
Undoubtedly  a  few  nest  in  Wisconsin,  even  as  far  south  as  Jefferson 
County,  although  there  is  no  actual  record.  Specimens  have  been 
taken  near  Jefferson,  June  16.  Young  birds  are  often  taken  as  early 
as  the  middle  of  August  in  the  large  tamarack  swamps.  Principally 
a  frequenter  of  low  lands,  and  willowy  thickets,  often  in  tamarack 
swamps."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  119.) 


336.     Wilsonia  canadensis  (LiNN.). 
CANADIAN  WARBLER. 

Sylvania  canadensis  (Linn.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  286. 
Distr.:  Eastern  North  America,  west  to  the  Plains  and  north  to 
southern  Labrador,  northern  Quebec,  and  Athabaska;  breeds  from 
Alleghany  Mountains,  southern  New  England,  Wisconsin,  and  Michi- 
gan northward;  south  in  winter  to  Central  America  and  northern 
South  America. 

Adult:  Upper  parts,  ash-gray;  forehead  and  crown,  black;  most 
of  the  crown  feathers  edged  with  gray,  producing  a  streaked  appear- 
ance; eye  ring,  yellowish  or  yellowish 
white ;  a  short  yellow  superciliary  stripe 
extending  to  base  of  bill;  an  irregular 
black  streak  from  below  the  eye,  ex- 
tending on  sides  of  neck;  throat  and 
under  parts,  yellow,  the  breast  marked 
with  a  band  of  irregular  short  black 
streaks  or  dashes ;  wings  and  tail,  plain 
brownish  gray,  without  white  spots; 
under  tail  coverts,  white. 

Adult  female:   Similar,  but  black  on  head  restricted  to  a  few  small 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  677 

blackish  spots  on  front  of  crown ;  black  streaks  on  breast  replaced  by 
dusky. 

Immature  females  show  the  breast  streaks  but  faintly  if  at  all. 

Length,  5.30;  wing,  2.50;  tail,  2.25;  bill,  .37. 

A  common  migrant  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin  in  spring  and  fall. 
According  to  Messrs.  Kumlien  and  Hollister  a  few  nest  in  northern 
Wisconsin.  They  say:  " A  common  migrant  during  the  latter  part 
of  May  and  again  in  September.  A  few  nest  in  central  and  north- 
ern Wisconsin,  along  the  borders  of  hemlock  swamps,  but  the  great 
majority  pass  beyond  our  borders  to  summer.  King  mentions  tak- 
ing a  fully  fledged  young  bird  near  Worcester,  July  19,  1876  (i), 
and  a  pair  were  seen  feeding  young,  which  were  flying  about  on  July 
12,  1882,  in  Door  County,  to  the  northward  of  Sturgeon  Bay  (L.  K.)." 
(Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  120.) 

Genus    SETOPHAGA   Swainson. 

337.     Setophaga  ruticilla  (LINN.). 

REDSTART. 
Distr.:    North  America,  north  to  Hudson  Bay  and  the  Mackenzie 

region,    breeding    from    North    Carolina    and    northern    Mississippi 

northward;  winters  in  the  West  Indies,  Central  America,  and  northern 

South  America. 

Adult  male:    Sides  of  body  and  a  broad  band  on  wings  and  tail, 

reddish  orange  or  salmon  color,  brightest  on  the  sides;    middle  of 

lower  breast,  belly  and  under  tail 
coverts,  white;  rest  of  plumage, 
black ;  basal  half  of  primaries  and 
most  of  secondaries,  salmon,  the 
ends,  brownish  black;  middle  tail 
feathers,  brownish  black,  the  rest 
salmon  color,  broadly  tipped  with 
brownish  black;  bill,  dark,  flat- 
tened and  wide  at  base  and  with 
numerous  rictal  bristles  approach- 
ing that  of  a  Flycatcher. 

Adult  female:  Orange  red  mark- 
Redstart  (male).  fe. 

ing  of   the   male   on    sides,  wings 

and  tail  replaced  by  yellow,  no  black  anywhere;  crown,  ashy;  back, 
olive  gray;  throat  and  under  parts,  white. 

Immature  male:  Similar  to  female  the  first  season,  and  later 
throat  and  upper  parts  mixed  black  and  gray. 


678     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

There  is  apparently  no  seasonal  change  of  plumage  in  the  adults. 

Length,  5.30;  wing,  2.50;  tail,  2.40;  bill,  .36. 

The  Redstart  is  an  abundant  summer  resident  in  Illinois  and 
Wisconsin,  arriving  about  May  i  and  leaving  for  the  south  late  in 
September  or  the  first  few  days  in  October.  Its  song  varies  consid- 
erably but  that  which  is  most  common  may  be  described  as  a  rather 
shrill  see-wee,  see-wee  \  see-wee,  see -wee. 

It  breeds  in  May  and  June.  The  nest  is  usually  built  on  the 
branch  of  a  tree,  from  6  to  25  feet  from  the  ground,  and  is  composed 
of  shreds  of  bark,  plant  fibers  and  dried  leaf  stems,  etc.  The  eggs 
are  4  or  5,  greenish  white  or  grayish  white,  spotted  and  blotched 
chiefly  at  the  larger  end  with  grayish  and  dark  brown,  and  measure 
about  .65  x  .49  inches.  The  Field  Museum  collection  contains  a 
series  of  sets  of  eggs  of  this  species  taken  in  northern  Illinois  between 
June  i  and  June  22. 


Family     MOTACILLID^.       Wagtails,     Tit- 
larks,   Pipits,   etc. 

This  family  comprises  some  sixty  or  more  species,  mostly  belong- 
ing to  the  Old  World.  A  single  species  regularly  occurs  in  eastern 
North  America.  It  frequents  open  fields  and  is  usually  found  in 
flocks.  The  nest  is  composed  of  grass  and  built  on  the  ground. 
They  are  insectivorous  and  migratory. 


Genus  ANTHUS  Bechs. 
338.     Anthus  rubescens  (TUNSTALL). 
AMERICAN  PIPIT.     TITLARK. 

Anthus  pensilvanicus  (Lath.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  289. 

Distr.:  North  America,  breeding  north  of  the  Unites  States,  ex- 
cept in  the  higher  parts  of  the  Rocky  Mountains;  winters  in  the 
Gulf  states,  Mexico,  and  Central  America. 

Adult  in  summer:  Hind  toe  nail,  long,  about  equal  to  length  of 
hind  toe;  upper  plumage,  brownish  gray,  some  of  the  feathers  with 
obscure  dark  centers  most  noticeable  on  the  back;  a  buffy  super- 
ciliary stripe;  under  parts,  pale  brownish  buff;  pale  on  the  chin; 
the  breast  and  sides  with  obscure  dusky  streaks;  wings  and  tail, 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


679 


American  Pipit. 

dusky  brown,  with  grayish  edgings  to  the  feathers;  two  outer  tail 
feathers  marked  with  white ;  the  greater  portion  of  outer  tail  feather, 
white,  the  inner  web  partly  edged  with  blackish;  terminal  portion 
of  second  feather  white,  black  and  white  about  evenly  divided,  the 
portion  bordering  the  shaft  being  white  and  the  inner  half  of  inner 
web  black  for  about  half  an  inch  from  the  tip.  Sexes  similar. 

Adult  in  fall  and  winter:  Upper  parts  much  more  brown;  under 
parts  whitish  or  brownish  white;  breast  and  sides  streaked  with 
brown. 

Length,  6.40;   wing,  3.45;   tail,  2.70;   bill,  .45. 

This  species  is  a  common  migrant  in  spring  and  fall  in  both  Il- 
linois and  Wisconsin.  Frequents  open  fields  and  prairies,  usually 
in  flocks.  A  few  remain  in  southern  Illinois  in  winter. 


68o     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX.- 

Family      MIMID^E.        Thrashers,     Mocking- 
birds,   etc. 

The  members  of  the  family  Mimidas  at;e,  as  a  rule,  gifted  vocalists, 
the  Mockingbird  being  perhaps  the  most  prominent  on  account  of 
its  familiarity  to  most  observers.  They  are  wood-loving  insectiv- 
orous birds,  although  often  seen  in  the  open. 


Genus  MIMUS  Boie. 

339.     Mimus  polyglottos  (LiNN.). 

MOCKINGBIRD. 

Distr.:  Southern  United  States  and  northern  Mexico,  from  Mary- 
land, Kentucky,  southern  Illinois,  and  Kansas  southward  and  cas- 
ually farther  north,  breeding  throughout  its  range. 


Mockingbird. 

Adult:  Upper  parts,  gray;  under  parts,  white,  tinged  on  breast  and 
sides  with  pale  gray;  primary  coverts  and  basal  portion  of  primaries, 
white,  forming  a  conspicuous  white  wing  patch;  middle  tail  feathers, 
brownish  black;  outer  tail  feathers,  mostly  white.  Sexes  similar. 

Immature:  Upper  plumage,  grayish  brown;  under  parts,  white; 
breast  spotted  with  dusky;  wings  and  tail  as  in  the  adult. 

Length,  about  9.75;   wing,  4.45;   tail,  4.80;    bill,  .65. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  681 

The  Mockingbird,  so  widely  celebrated  for  its  vocal  accomplish- 
ments, is  a  common  summer  resident  in  portions  of  southern  Illinois, 
but  quite  rare  in  northern  Illinois  and  southern  Wisconsin,  although 
Mr.  E.  W.  Nelson  states:  "Dr.  Hoy  has  recorded  six  nests  obtained 
in  the  vicinity  of  Racine,  Wisconsin."  (Birds  of  N.  E.  111.,  1876, 
p.  94.)  Mr.  Ridgway  found  it  common  in  the  vicinity  of  Olney, 
southern  Illinois,  and  Mr.  H.  S.  Swarth  found  a  pair  breeding  at  Joliet, 
Will  County,  Illinois,  on  May  28,  1907,  and  took  the  nest  and  three 
eggs.  It  has  been  observed  on  several  occasions  in  the  parks  about 
Chicago. 

Messrs.  Kumlien  and  Hollister  consider  it  a  "rare  summer  visitant " 
in  southern  Wisconsin  and  state:  "We  have  positive  records  of  its 
nesting  on  the  old  Kumlien  homestead,  in  Jefferson  County,  however, 
in  June,  1879,  and  1880,  and  of  one  specimen  captured  in  Milwaukee 
County  in  August,  1882  (L.  K).  Hoy  reported  specimens  seen  July 
16,  1851,  between  Racine  and  Kenosha,  and  July  26,  1846,  near  the 
southern  state  line.  Later  (1885),  Hoy  wrote  that  mockingbirds 
nested  freely  near  Racine  previous  to  1856,  that  he  obtained  three 
riests  and  knew  of  several  others  that  he  did  not  molest,  but  that 
none  had  been  seen  for  fifteen  or  twenty  years.  In  the  Bulletin  of 
the  Wisconsin  Natural  History  Society  for  January,  1900,  M^r.  W.  J. 
Bennetts  records  one  seen  by  himself  June  29,  1894,  near  Milwaukee, 
in  the  same  locality  where  Mr.  John  W.  Dunlop  had  reported  a  pair 
nesting  a  few  years  ago,  and  also  states  that  Mr.  Robert  O.  Wanvig 
has  a  nest  and  eggs,  taken  in  1897,  just  west  of  Milwaukee,  from  a 
sheltered  grove  where  he  has  seen  the  birds  for  the  past  few  summers." 
(Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  121.) 

The  nest  is  placed  in  a  bush  or  low  .tree  and  is  composed  of  twigs, 
weed  stems,  etc.  The  eggs  are  4  or  5,  sometimes  6,  pale  bluish  white 
or  buffy  white,  spotted  and  blotched  with  brown  chiefly  at  the  larger 
end,  and  measure  about  .98  x  .73  inches. 

The  Mockingbird,  as  his  name  implies,  is  noted  for  his  power  of 
mimicry  and  will  often  imitate  the  songs  of  a  dozen  of  our  birds  in 
half  as  many  minutes. 


682     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Genus  DUMETELLA  S.   D.  W. 

340.     Dumetella  carolinensis  (LiNN.). 

CATBIRD. 

Galeoscoptes  carolinensis  (Linn.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  292. 

Distr.:  Chiefly  eastern  United  States,  and  British  Provinces,  north 
to  the  Saskatchewan,  west  to  the  Rocky  Mountains,  casual  on  the 
Pacific  coast;  breeds  from  the  Gulf  states  northward  throughout 
its  range;  winters  in  the  south  Atlantic  and  Gulf  states,  the  West 
Indies  (to  Anguilla)  and  Central  America  to  Panama. 


\ 


Catbird. 


Adult:  General  plumage,  plumbeous  slate  color;  crown  and  tail, 
black;  under  tail  coverts,  dark  chestnut;  bill  and  feet,  black.  Im- 
mature birds  have  the  under  tail  coverts  dull  rufous  brown.  Sexes 
similar. 

Length,  8.50;  wing,  3.60;  tail,  3.65;  bill,  .54. 

The  Catbird  is  a  very  common  summer  resident  in  Illinois  and 
Wisconsin.  The  majority  arrive  early  in  May  and  leave  for  the  south 
late  in  September.  It  is  a  delightful  vocalist  and  a  clever  mimic, 
but  its  most  familiar  note  is  a  harsh  cry  somewhat  resembling  the 
"mew"  of  a  cat. 

It  breeds  in  May  and  June.  The  nest  is  composed  of  small  twigs, 
rootlets,  and  leaves,  in  a  bush,  thicket,  or  low  tree.  The  eggs  are 
4  or  5,  deep  greenish  blue,  and  measure  about  .93  x  .68  inches. 

The  Field  Museum  collection  contains  a  series  of  sets  of  eggs  taken 
in  northern  Illinois  between  May  25  and  June  n. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  683 

I 

I 

Genus   TOXOSTOMA   Wagler. 

341.     Toxostoma  rufum  (LINN.). 
BROWN  THRASHER.     BROWN  THRUSH. 

Harporhynchus  rufus  (Linn.),  A.  O.  U.  Check   List,  1895,  p.  293. 

Distr.:  Eastern  United  States,  west  to  the  Rocky  Mountains, 
north  to  southern  Maine  and  the  southern  British  Provinces ;  breeds 
from  eastern  Texas  and  the  Gulf  states  northward;  winters  from 
North  Carolina  and  southeastern  Missouri  throughout  the  Gulf  states 
to  Texas,  accidental  in  southeastern  Arizona.* 

Adult:  Upper  parts,  wings  and  tail,  bright  rufous  brown;  wing 
coverts  tipped  with  white;  under  parts,  white,  more  or  less  tinged 


Brown  Thrasher. 

with  pale  buff  and  heavily  marked  with  short  streaks  or  elongated 
spots  of  black,  except  on  the  throat  and  belly;  under  tail  coverts, 
pale  buff;  primaries  and  tail,  plain,  without  white.  Sexes  similar. 

Length,  about  n;  wing,  4;  tail,  5;  bill,  .92. 

The  Brown  Thrasher  is  a  common  summer  resident  in  Illinois 
and  Wisconsin,  arriving  in  April  and  leaving  for  the  south  early  in 
October.  It  is  an  accomplished  songster,  the  notes  being  loud,  clear, 
and  continually  varied. 

It  breeds  in  May  and  June.  The  nest,  which  is  comparatively 
large,  is  composed  of  small  dried  twigs,  rootlets,  and  leaves,  usually 
built  in  low,  thick  bushes  or  on  the  ground.  The  eggs  are  4  to  6, 

*Mr.  H.  S.  Swarth  informs  me  he  took  a  male  of  this  species  in  the  Hua- 
chuca  Mountains,  Arizona,  in  October,  1907. 


684     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY— ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

grayish  white  or  buffy  white,  finely  speckled  with  brown,  and  measure 
about  i. 06  x  .79  inches. 

The  Field  Museum  collection  contains  a  series  of  fourteen  sets  of 
eggs  of  this  species  taken  in  northern  Illinois  between  May  17  and 
June  21. 


Family   TROGLODYTID^.      Wrens. 

The  Wrens  are  a  large  family  numbering  upwards  of  a  hundred 
and  fifty  species,  but  only  six  occur  within  our  limits.  Nearly  all  of 
them  possess  more  or  less  vocal  ability,  some,  like  the  Carolina 
Wren,  being  especially  gifted.  They  are  thicket  loving  birds, 
many  of  the  small  species  being  rarely  seen  on  account  of  their 
retiring  habits.  They  are  insectivorous  and  migratory. 


Genus  THRYOTHORUS   Vieill. 
342.     Thryothorus  ludovicianus  (LATH.). 

CAROLINA  WREN. 

Distr.:  Eastern  United  States,  west  to  the  Plains  and  north  to 
southern  Michigan  and  Nebraska,  accidental  as  far  north  as  Ontario; 
breeds  nearly  throughout  its  range. 


Carolina  Wren. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  685 

Adult:  Upper  parts,  rufous  brown,  the  rump  with  partially  con- 
cealed white  spots;  a  white  superciliary  line,  bordered  above  by  an 
indistinct  line  of  blackish  (sometimes  absent) ;  outer  webs  of  primaries 
with  narrow  bars  of  pale  brown;  inner  webs,  grayish  brown  without 
bars;  exposed  feathers  on  the  closed  wing  with  faint,  narrow,  dusky 
bars;  chin,  whitish;  rest  of  under  parts,  pale  tawny  buff,  varying 
in  intensity,  deepest  on  the  flanks;  upper  surface  of  tail  feathers, 
rufous  brown,  narrowly  barred  with  dusky;  under  tail  coverts, 
barred  with  blackish.  Sexes  similar. 

Length,  5.30;   wing,  2.25;  tail,  2.15;   bill,  .62. 

While  the  Carolina  Wren  is  abundant  in  southern  Illinois,  it  is 
uncommon  in  the  northern  part  of  the  state  and  a  rare  bird  in 
Wisconsin.  It  is  justly  noted  as  a  vocalist,  but  its  charming  song 
is  too  varied  to  be  described. 

Mr.  Isaac  E.  Hess  informs  me  it  is  a  not  uncommon  summer 
resident,  and  breeds  in  the  vicinity  of  Philo,  Champaign  Co.,  Illinois. 
On  August  12,  1908,  Mr.  John  F.  Ferry  observed  two  wrens  of  this 
species  at  Lake  Forest,  Lake  County,  Illinois,  one  of  which  he  shot 
and  which  proved  to  be  a  female.  Mr.  H.  S.  Swarth  observed  a  pair 
at  Joliet,  111.,  May  n,  1907.  Mr.  F.  M.  Woodruff  says :  "Thanks  to 
the  protection  afforded  this  bird  by  Mr.  John  V.  Farwell,  Jr.,  at  Lake 
Forest,  Illinois,  the  species  has  succeeded  in  raising  several  broods  in 
that  vicinity."  (Birds  of  the  Chicago  Area,  1907,  p.  182.)  Mrs.  Ellen 
Drummond  Farwell  observed  two  of  these  birds  at  Lake  Forest,  111., 
and  has  published  some  interesting  notes  regarding  their  habits  (The 
Auk,  1902,  p.  209). 

In  Wisconsin  Dr.  Hoy  observed  it  near  Racine.  He  says:  "I 
met  a  single  wren  of  this  species,  July  5,  1852."  Kumlien  and  Hoi- 
lister  record  a  specimen  taken  near  Janesville,  Wis.,  in  1878  and 
another  at  Milwaukee  taken  in  1881. 

The  nest  is  built  in  holes  in  stumps  or  about  old  buildings.  It  is 
a  rough  affair  composed  of  leaves,  feathers,  twigs,  and  coarse  grass. 
The  eggs  are  4  to  6,  creamy  white  or  pinkish  white,  speckled  and 
marked  with  brown  chiefly  at  the  larger  end,  and  measure  about 
•  75x  .58  inches. 


686     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Genus  THRYOMANES  Sclater. 

343.     Thryomanes  bewickii  (Auo.). 

BEWICK'S  WREN. 

Thryothorus   bewickii  (Aud.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  298. 

Distr.:  Eastern  United  States,  chiefly  south  of  latitude  40°,  west 
to  the  Plains,  casually  north  to  Pennsylvania,  southern  Ohio,  northern 
Indiana,  northern  Illinois,  and  Minnesota. 

Adult:  Upper  parts,  dark  cinnamon  brown;  back,  without  bars; 
rump  with  concealed  white  spots;  a  whitish  or  grayish  white  super- 


Bewick's  Wren. 

cilary  stripe;  outer  tail  feathers,  broadly  tipped  and  marked  with  gray- 
ish white;  middle  tail  feathers,  dark  brown,  with  numerous  narrow 
black  bars;  outer  web  of  first  and  second  primaries,  plain,  without 
bars  or  spots,  the  others  dotted  on  the  edges  with  pale  buff;  under 
parts,  grayish  white,  washed  with  brown  on  the  flanks.  Sexes  simi- 
lar. 

Length,  5.15;    wing,  2.15;   tail,  2.15;   bill,  .50. 

Bewick's  Wren  is  common  in  southern  Illinois,  but  occurs  only 
as  a  straggler  in  the  northern  portion  of  the  state.  Mr.  Isaac  E. 
Hess  informs  me  it  is  rare  in  the  vicinity  of  Philo,  Champaign  Co., 
Illinois,  but  he  has  found  a  pair  breeding  and  took  a  nest  and  five 
eggs  on  May  27,  1898. 

Mr.  E.  W.  Nelson  gives  it  as  "A  rare  summer  resident"  in  north- 
eastern Illinois.  He  says :  "A  pair  of  these  birds  appeared  in  a  vacant 
lot  in  Chicago  the  first  of  June,  1876,  and  taking  possession  of  a  con- 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  .    687 

venient  corner  in  the  roof  of  an  arbor  proceeded  to  raise  their  young. 
The  family  suddenly  left  about  the  middle  of  July."  (Birds  N.  E. 
Til.,  1876,  p.  96.) 

There  appears  to  be  no  authentic  record  of  its  occurrence  in 
Wisconsin. 

It  breeds  commonly  in  southern  Illinois.  The  nest  is  in  a  hole  in 
a  stump  or  crevice  in  a  summer  house,  arbor,  or  in  a  bird  box,  and  is 
composed  of  grass,  plant  stems,  etc.  The  eggs  are  from  5  to  7,  white 
or  grayish  white,  finely  speckled  with  rufous  brown  and  lilac-gray, 
and  measure  about  .67  x  .51  inches. 


Genus  TROGLODYTES   Vieill. 

344.     Troglodytes  aedon  VIEILL. 

HOUSE  WREN. 

Distr.:  Eastern  United  States  and  southern  Canada,  west  to 
Kentucky,  Indiana,  and  Illinois;  winters  in  the  Gulf  states  and  east- 
ern Mexico. 

Adult:  Upper  parts,  dull  cinnamon  brown,  the  rump  brighter  and 
tinged  with  rufous  brown;  back  usually  with  numerous  indistinct 
narrow  dark  bars;  rump  with  concealed 
white  spots;  outer  webs  of  primaries 
with  narrow  bars;  tail,  brown,  barred 
with  black  (no  grayish  white  patches  on 
tail  feathers) ;  under  parts,  brownish 
white,  brownish  on  flanks;  sides  and 
flanks  with  numerous  narrow  dark  bars. 
Sexes  similar. 

Length,    5.05;    wing,    2;    tail,    1.70; 
bill,  .50. 

The  House  Wren  is  a  not  uncommon  summer  resident  in'  Illinois 
and  Wisconsin  and  a  common  migrant  in  spring  and  fall.  I  have 
examined  typical  Illinois  specimens  of  this  bird.  Being  retiring  in 
its  disposition  it  is  more  often  heard  than  seen.  It  has  a  charming 
little  song  difficult  to  describe,  but  usually  beginning  with  several 
quick,  sharp  notes  followed  by  a  trill. 

Messrs.  Kumlien  and  Hollister  say:  "A  common  migrant  in  eastern 
Wisconsin  in  almost  equal  numbers  with  the  next.  It  breeds  spar- 
ingly anywhere  from  the  southern  border  northward.  It  arrives  the 
last  week  of  April  and  is  common  until  the  middle  of  May,  when  all 
"but  a  few  pass  northward.  It  nests  late  in  June  in  the  towns  and 


688    -FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

villages  as  well  as  in  the  more  retired  woods."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin, 
1903,  p.  122.) 

The  nest  is  in  holes  in  stumps  of  dead  trees  or  in  cavities  in  old 
buildings.  The  eggs  are  from  5  to  7,  creamy  white  or  pinkish  white, 
finely  speckled  with  rufous  brown,  with  usually  a  wreath  of  a  darker 
shade  around  the  larger  end,  and  measure  about  .65  x  .50  inches. 

Mr.  H.  S.  Swarth  procured  a  nest  and  eggs  of  this  species  at  Joliet, 
111.,  on  June  14,  1906. 


344a.     Troglodytes  aedon  parkmanii  (Auo.). 
PARKMAN'S  WREN. 

Distr.:  Western  United  States  and  more  southern  British  Prov- 
inces, east  to  the  upper  Mississippi  Valley,  eastern  Illinois,  and  lower 
Wabash  Valley;  south  in  winter  to  southern  Mexico. 

Special  characters:  Differs  from  the  House  Wren,  T.  aedon,  in 
having  the  back  and  rump  grayer  and  barred  with  dusky. 

This  form  is  apparently  much  more  common  in  Illinois  than  the 
preceding  species,  both  as  a  migrant  and  summer  resident,  but  Kum- 
lien  and  Hollister  state :  "  In  a  series  of  house  wrens  from  southern  and 
eastern  Wisconsin,  Mr.  William  Brewster  finds  typical  examples 
of  both  forms,  aedon  and  aztecus,*  the  latter  slightly  predominating 
in  numbers."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  122.) 

The  nest  and  eggs  resemble  those  of  the  House  Wren. 


Genus   NANNUS   Billberg. 
345.     Nannus  hiemalis  (VIEILL.). 
WINTER  WREN. 

Troglodytes  hiemalis  Vieill.,  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  301. 

Distr.:  Eastern  North  America,  west  to  the  Plains,  north  to 
Quebec,  Ontario,  and  Manitob.a;  breeds  from  Massachusetts,  northern 
Illinois,  and  Indiana  northward ;  winters  chiefly  from  Illinois  to  the 
Gulf  states  and  Florida. 

Adult:  Size,  small;  length  rarely  over  4.10  inches,  usually  less; 
upper  parts,  dark  cinnamon  brown;  a  narrow  buffy  stripe  over  the 
eye;  outer  webs  of  first  five  or  six  primaries,  blackish,  barred  with 
brownish  white ;  rest  of  primaries  and  secondaries  have  outer  webs 
chestnut,  barred  with  blackish;  tail,  color  of  rump,  all  the  feathers 
with  narrow  black  bars;  under  parts,  pale  cinnamon  brown;  sides  and 

*  Now  parkmanii. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  689 


Winter  Wren. 

belly  more  or  less  irregularly  barred  with  black;  tail,  very  short 
rarely  more  than  1.30  inches  long.  Sexes  similar. 

Length,  3.70  to  4.15;  wing,  i.Soto  2;  tail,  1.25;  bill,  .40. 

The  Winter  Wren  is  common  during  the  migrations  in  Illinois  and 
Wisconsin  and  at  least  a  casual  summer  resident  in  the  latter  state. 

Mr.  W.  W.  Cooke  states:  "Mr.  H.  A.  Kline  tells  us  that  it  nests 
in  the  rubbish  along  the  banks  of  a  stream  one  mile  west  of  Polo, 
Illinois."  (Bird  Migration  Mississippi  Valley,  1888,  p.  273.) 

In  Wisconsin,  F.  H.  King  found  it  common  in  summer  in  the  north- 
ern part  of  the  state  (Geol.  Wis.,  1873-79,  P-  491).  and  Kumlien  and 
Hollister  say:  "A  common  migrant  throughout  the  state  in  early 
spring  and  late  fall.  It  unquestionably  nests  in  northern  Wisconsin." 
(Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  123.) 

Mr.  John  F.  Ferry  procured  a  young  bird  barely  able  to  fly  near 
Woodruff,  Vilas  County,  Wisconsin,  on  June  24,  1908. 

The  nest  is  of  plant  stems  and  moss,  lined  with  feathers,  under  old 
logs,  in  crevices,  or  between  roots  of  trees.  The  eggs  are '5  to  7, 
sparingly  -speckled  with  rufous  brown,  and  measure  about  .68  x  .50 
inches. 

Genus  CISTOTHORUS  Cabanis. 

346.     Cistothorus  stellaris  (LIGHT.). 

SHORT-BILLED  MARSH  WREN. 

Distr.:  Eastern  United  States,  north  to  southern  New  Hamp- 
shire, southern  Ontario,  Manitoba,  and  Keewatin,  west  to  Utah; 
winte'rs  in  the  south  Atlantic  and  Gulf  states;  breeds  chiefly  from 


690     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

about  the  latitude  of  Ohio  northward  and  occasionally  much  farther 
south  (Georgia,  one  record). 

Adult:  Upper  parts,  black  and  tawny  brown,  streaked  with  white; 
crown,  streaked;  under  parts,  whitish  on  throat  and  belly,  washed 
with  tawny  brown  on  breast,  sides,  and 
under  tail  coverts;  rump  and  upper  tail 
coverts  barred  with  black;  primaries,  dark 
slaty  brown,  the  outer  webs  irregularly 
marked  with  pale  brown ;  tail,  plain  brown, 
banded  with  black.  Sexes  similar. 

Length,    4.20;    wing,    1.80;    tail,    1.50; 
bill,  .36. 

A  common  summer  resident  in  suitable 

localities  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin.  The  majority  arrive  early  in 
May  and  leave  for  the  south  in  October.  Breeds  during  the  latter 
part  of  May  and  June. 

The  nest-  is  globe  shaped,  composed  of  woven  grasses,  with  the 
entrance  on  the  side,  usually  attached  to  reeds  in  a  marsh,  but  occa- 
sionally in  a  tussock  of  grass  on  or  near  the  ground.  The  eggs  are 
6  to  8,  pure  white,  usually  unmarked,  but  occasionally  with  a  few 
small  lilac  spots,  and  measure  about  .66  x  .47  inches. 


Genus  TELMATODYTES  Cabanis. 
347.     Telmatodytes  palustris  (WiLs.). 
LONG-BILLED  MARSH  WREN. 

Cistothorus  palustris  (Wils.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  302. 

Distr.:  Northeastern  United  States,  north  to  New  Brunswick, 
south  to  South  Carolina  and  casually  to  western  Florida,  west  to 
Indiana  and  Illinois;  breeds  from  about  the  latitude  of  Virginia 
northward. 

Adult:  Crown,  blackish  on  the  sides,  usually  tinged  with  brownish 
in  the  centre,  no  streaks  on  crown;  back  (interscapular  region), 
black,  streaked  with  white;  rump  and  upper  tail  coverts,  plain  cin- 
namon brown  (without  black  bars) ;  under  parts,  white  or  whitish 
on  throat,  middle  breast  and  belly;  sides  tinged  with  pale  cinna- 
mon brown,  darkest  on  the  flanks;  tail  barred  with  black  and  tawny 
brown ;  edges  of  outer  webs  of  wing  feathers  marked  with  pale  tawny 
brown,  giving  a  barred  appearance  to  the  closed  wing.  Sexes 
similar. 

Length,  5.15;  wing,  1.90;  tail,  1.80;  bill,  .50. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  — CORY. 


691 


/ 

fef 


Long-billed   Marsh   Wren. 

The  Long-billed  Marsh  Wren  is  a  common  summer  resident  in 
suitable  marshes,  at  least  in  eastern  Illinois.  I  have  not  seen  speci- 
mens from  the  western  part  of  the  state  and  it  is  probable  that  in 
prairie  districts  it  is  replaced  by  T.  p.  iliacus,  which  also  occurs  in 
eastern  Illinois.  The  species  is  represented  in  the  collection  of  the 
Field  Museum  of  Natural  History  by  the  following  specimens  from 
eastern  Illinois  and  Indiana: 


No.  24451, 
No.  15446, 
No.  15447. 
No.  15448, 
No.  21735, 
No.  13732, 
No. 
No. 


9  ,  May  23,  1907,  Lake  Forest,  111. 
d\  June  14,  1904,  Chicago,  111. 
d\  June  14,  1904,  Chicago,  111. 
d\  June  14,  1904,  Chicago,  111. 
cf ,  Sept.  10,  1906,  Beach,  Lake  Co.,  111. 
9  ,  Oct.  10,  1902,  Chicago,  111. 
6630,  9  ,  Aug.   9,  1896,  Chicago,  111. 
6629,  d\  Aug.    2,  1896,  Chicago,  111. 
No.  24452,  d\  June  28,  1907,  English  Lake,  Ind. 
In  Wisconsin,  according  to  Kumlien  and  Hollister,  it  is  "an  abun- 
dant summer  resident  over  nearly  the  entire  state,  breeding  in  great 
numbers  about  all  suitable  marshes."      (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p. 
123.) 

Breeds  in  May  and  June.  The  nest  is  attached  to  reeds  in  marshes. 
It  is  globe  shaped  with  the  entrance  on  the  side,  and  is  comp6sed  of 
grasses.  The  eggs  are  from  5  to  9,  finely  speckled  all  over  with  cinna- 
mon brown,  and  measure  about  .65  x  .50  inches. 

The  Long-billed  Marsh  Wren  has  a  pleasant  little  song,  somewhat 
resembling  that  of  the  House  Wren,  but  more  broken  and  not  so  loud. 


692     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

347a.     Telmatodytes  palustris  iliacus  (RIDGWAY). 
PRAIRIE  LONG-BILLED  MARSH  WREN. 

Distr.:  Prairie  districts  of  central  United  States,  east  to  Illinois 
and  western  Indiana  and  north  to  the  British  Provinces;  winters 
chiefly  in  the  Gulf  states  and  Mexico ;  breeds  throughout  its  summer 
range. 

The  Prairie  Long-billed  Marsh  Wren  differs  from  the  eastern  form 
in  being  generally  slightly  larger,  and  having  the  upper  parts  more 
russet  brown  and  the  flanks  clear  cinnamon  buff,  approaching  a 
russet  tint  more  than  in  T.  palustris. 

The  nest  and  eggs  are  similar  to  those  of  T.  palustris.  By  cour- 
tesy of  the  authorities  of  the  United  States  National  Museum,  I  have 
been  able  to  examine  the  type  of  T.  p.  iliacus*  and  compare  it  with 
specimens  in  the  Field  Museum  collection.  The  result  shows  that 
both  T.  palustris  and  T.  p.  iliacus  occur  in  Illinois.  Specimens  in 
the  collections  of  the  Field  Museum  of  Natural  History  from  Illinois 
and  Indiana  are  as  follows: 

No.     5150,  9  ,  May  24,  1890,  Ravinia,  111. 

No.    5151,  cT,  May  29,  1894,  Englewood,  111. 

No.    5415,  cT,  May  31,  1885,  Davis,  Stark  Co.,  Ind. 

No.  30408,  <5\  June  7,  1905,  Fox  Lake,  111. 

No.  30409,  d\  June  7,  1905,  Fox  Lake,  111. 

I  have  not  seen  specimens  from  Wisconsin,  but  it  no  doubt  occurs 
there,  especially  in  the  western  portion  of  the  state. 

*U.  S.  Nat.  Mus..  No.  90199.  Talmatodytes  palustris  iliacus  (type)  §  ad. 
Wheatland,  Indiana,  April  30,  1883. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


693 


Family    CERTHIID^.      Creepers. 

The  Certhiidae  comprise  a  small  group  of  a  dozen  species,  only 
one  of  which  (with  its  various  subspecies)  occurs  in  North  America. 
It  is  an  active,  graceful  little  bird,  climbing  about  the  trunks  of  trees 
and  using  its  stiff  tail  feathers  much  after  the  manner  of  a  woo'd- 
pecker.  It  feeds  on  insects  and  larvae,  and  builds  its  nest  in  holes 
in  trees. 

Genus  CERTHIA  Linn. 

348.     Certhia  familiaris  americana  (BONAP.). 
BROWN  CREEPER. 

Distr.:  Eastern  North  America,  west  to  the  Plains  and  north  to 
Newfoundland,  Ontario,  and  Manitoba,  and  probably  much  farther 
north,  breeding  from  the  mountains  of  western  North  Carolina,  Mis- 
souri, northern  Indiana,  and  Nebraska  northward;  south  in  winter 
to  south  Atlantic  and  Gulf  states,  except  southern  Florida. 

Adult:  Tail  feathers,  stiff  and  pointed;  upper  parts,  dark  brown, 
thickly  streaked  with  dull  white;  rump,  rusty  brown;  a  conspicuous 


Brown  Creeper. 


tawny  white  bar  on  the  middle  of  primaries  (except  the  first  three) ; 
under  parts,  dull  white  or  ashy  white,  usually  faintly  tinged  with 
brownish  on  flanks  and  under  tail  coverts.  Sexes  similar. 

Length,  5.50;  wing,  2.50;  tail,  2.70;  bill,  .56. 

The  Brown  Creeper  is  a  common  migrant  and  more  or  less  common 


694     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

winter  resident  in  Illinois  and  southern  Wisconsin  and  a  regular 
summer  resident  in  northern  Wisconsin. 

There  is  a  record  of  a  pair  breeding  on  an  island  in  the  Mississippi 
River  a  few  miles  below  Davenport,  Iowa  (Wilson,  Wilson  Bull.,  1906, 
p.  10),  and  Mr.  John  F.  Ferry  observed  a  bird  of  this  species  at  Olive 
Branch,  Alexander  County,  Illinois,  August  10,  1907. 

Mr.  A.  W.  Butler  records  two  sets  of  eggs  taken  in  Steuben  County, 
northern  Indiana,  by  Mr.  R.  W.  McBride  (Birds  of  Indiana,  1897, 
p.  1129). 

Dr.  Hoy  gives  it  as  common  throughout  the  year  in  Wisconsin. 
Mr.  John  F.  Ferry  found  a  brood  of  four  partly  grown  birds  near 
Woodruff,  Vilas  County,  June  27,  1908.  Messrs.  Kumlien  and  Hoi- 
lister  give  it  as  a  summer  resident  in  northern  Wisconsin  and  say: 
"  J.  N.  Clark  observed  a  pair  of  creepers  feeding  a  young  cowbird  just 
from  the  nest  at  Meridian  in  late  June,  1897."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin, 
1903,  p.  124.) 

The  nest  is  of  feathers,  moss,  and  plant  down,  in  a  crevice  usually 
behind  loose  bark  on  a  dead  tree  in  woods.  The  eggs  are  6  to  9, 
white,  speckled  and  spotted  chiefly  at  the  larger  end  with  brown,  and 
measure  about  .60  x  .47  inches. 


Family   SITTID^.      Nuthatches. 

There  are  about  20  known  species  belonging  to  this  family,  but 
only  three  are  found  in  eastern  North  America.  They  are  wood  birds 
and  may  be  seen  climbing  about  the  trunks  of  trees,  much  in  the 
manner  of  a  woodpecker  or  the  little  Brown  Creeper,  but  unlike 
either  of  them,  it  climbs  equally  well  down  the  trunk  as  up  while 
searching  for  its  food,  neither  does  it  use  its  tail  for  support  like  the 
others.  The  food  consists  of  insects,  larvae,  and  nuts,  chiefly  beech 
nuts.  The  nests  are  built  in  holes  in  trees. 


Genus  SITTA  Linnaeus. 
349.     Sitta  carolinensis  LATH. 
WHITE-BREASTED  NUTHATCH. 

Distr.:  Eastern  North  America,  west  to  the  Plains,  and  from  the 
Gulf  coast  north  to  Labrador,  northern  Quebec,  and  Keewatin;  breeds 
nearly  throughout  its  range. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


695 


Adult  male:    Top  of  head  and  upper  back,  glossy  black;    rest  of 
upper  parts,  bluish  gray;   sides  of  head  and  under  parts,  white,  more 


White-breasted   Nuthatch. 

or  less  marked  on  flanks  and  crissum  with  rusty  brown;  wings,  black- 
ish, the  inner  feathers  edged  with  gray;  middle  tail  feathers,  gray; 
outer  feathers  with  broad  subterminal  band  of  white,  the  tips,  black. 

Adult  female:  Similar,  but  black  of  head  tinged  with  bluish 
gray. 

Length,  5.80;  wing,  3.50;  tail,  1.90;    bill,  .70. 

A  not  uncommon  resident  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin  and  abundant 
in  spring  and  fall  during  the  migrations.  The  note  of  the  White- 
breasted  Nuthatch  is  a  strange  quenk,  quenk,  difficult  to  describe, 
but  which  once  heard  will  not  easily  be  forgotten. 

The  nest  is  in  a  hole  in  a  dead  stump  or  tree.  The  eggs  are  from 
6  to  8,  pure  white  or  creamy  white,  speckled  with  rufous  brown,  and 
measure  about  .73  x  .56  inches.  Mr.  H.  S.  Swarth  procured  a  set  of 
six  eggs  at  Joliet,  111.,  May  21,  1907. 


350.     Sitta  canadensis  (LINN.). 
RED-BREASTED  NUTHATCH. 

Distr.:  Nearly  the  whole  of  North  America;  breeding  from  north- 
ern Indiana,  northern  Illinois,  California,  and  the  mountainous 
regions  of  North  Carolina  and  Colorado  northward  to  Labrador, 
Keewatin,  and  southern  Alaska;  winters  in  the  United  States. 

Adult  male:  Top  of  head,  black;  a  black  stripe  through  the  eye, 
extending  to  sides  of  neck:  a  white  stripe  over  the  eye;  rest  of  upper 


696     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

plumage,  bluish  gray;  throat,  white  or  whitish;  rest  of  under  parts,, 
pale  rusty  brown,  deepest  on  the  sides  and  lower  belly;  under  tail 
coverts,  rusty  brown,  with  pale  tips; 
primaries,  dark  grayish  brown  or  fus- 
cous; middle  tail  feathers  like  back; 
outer  feathers,  black,  with  subterminal 
white  band>  the  tips,  black. 

Adult  female:  Similar,  but  without 
black  crown ;  the  stripe  through  the  eye 
dull  blackish,  not  clear  black  as  in  the 
male. 

Length,  4.60;  wing,  2.60;  tail,  1.50; 
bill,  .50. 

The  Red-breasted  Nuthatch  is  a  casual  summer  resident  in  Wis- 
consin and  has  been  known  to  nest  in  northern  Illinois.  It  is,  how- 
ever, abundant  in  spring  and  fall  during  the  migrations  in  both  states 
and  a  few  remain  during  the  winter.  Its  note  somewhat  resembles 
that  of  the  White-breasted  Nuthatch  but  is  much  higher  and  is 
repeated  more  hurriedly. 

Mr.  E.  W.  Nelson  says:  "A  rare  summer  resident.  I  found  a  pair 
near  Chicago  with  full  grown  young  the  first  of  July,  and  Mr.  Rice 
observed  a  pair  feeding  unfledged  young  the  last  of  April,  1874,  near 
Evanston.  The  excavation  containing  the  nest  was  in  a  tree  stand- 
ing on  one  of  the  principal  streets  of  the  town."  (Birds  N.  E.  111., 
1876,  p.  96.) 

Dr.  Hoy  writes:  "A  few  nest  near  Racine  and  a  greater  number 
in  the  pine  regions  in  the  northern  part  of  the  state."  (Wisconsin.) 
Kumlien  and  Hollister  say:  "A  regular  spring  and  fall  migrant, 
but  not  so  common  as  the  white-breast.  Mr.  Clark  has  found  it  in  j 
winter  in  Dunn  County,  and  it  occurs  as  late  sometimes  as  Novem- 
ber in  Walworth,  Jefferson,  and  Rock  Counties,  though  usually  found 
in  April  and  September.  It  was  found  nesting  at  Pine  Lake,  near 
Hartland,  July,  1888.  The  nest  was  about  10  feet  above  the  ground 
in  a  pine  stub,  and  contained  young  (L.  K.)."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin, 
1903,  p.  124.) 

The  nest  is  in  a  hole  in  a  tree  or  stump.  The  eggs  are  5  or  6, 
white,  speckled  with  brown  and  purplish  gray,  and  measure  about 
.61  x  .48  inches. 

The  Brown-headed  Nuthatch,  Sitta  pusilla  Lath.,  probably  occurs 
as  a  straggler  in  southern  Illinois.  Mr.  Otto  Widmann  observed  a 
specimen  within  the  St.  Louis  city  limits,  May  6,  1878  (Bull.  Nutt. 
Orn.  Club,  Vol.  V  1880,  p.  191);  and  Mr.  J.  M.  Wheaton  states  a 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


697 


specimen  was  taken  by  Dr.  H.  A.  Atkins,  near  Locke,  Ingham  County, 
Michigan,  in  1877.     (Geol.  Survey  of  Ohio,  Vol.  IV,  1882,  p.  226.) 


Family  PARID^E.      Titmice  and  Chickadees. 

The  family  Paridae  contains  about  75  species,  four  of  which  are 
found  in  eastern  North  America.  The  Chickadees  are  hardy  little 
birds,  migrating  only  in  a  moderate  degree  and  enlivening  the  snow 
covered  silent  woods  with  their  peculiar  cheery  little  song.  They 
lay  their  eggs  in  holes  in  trees  and  stumps,  lining  the  nest  with  moss, 
leaves,  and  feathers. 


Genus  B^OLOPHUS  Caban. 
351.     Baeolophus  bicolor  (LINN.). 

TUFTED  TITMOUSE. 

Parus  bicolor  Linn.,  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  P-  3°6- 
Distr.:   Eastern  United  States,  west  to  the  Great  Plains  and  from 
the    Gulf    coast    regularly    north    to    Ohio,    southern    Illinois,    and 
Nebraska;  casual  or  accidental  to  southern  Minnesota,  southern  Wis- 
consin, and  southern  New  York;   breeds  nearly  throughout  its  range. 
Adult:    Crown  with  crest;    forehead,  black;    rest  of  upper  parts, 
wings  and  tail,  gray,  usually  with  a  faint  tinge  of  olive  on  the  back; 

under  parts,  whitish  or  ashy  white, 
tinged  with  chestnut  brown  on  the 
sides  and  flanks.  Sexes  similar. 

Length,  6.10;  wing,  3.10;  tail, 
2.65 ;  bill,  .40. 

The  Tufted  Titmouse  is 'an  abun- 
dant resident  in  southern  Illinois,  but 
rather  rare  in  the  northern  portion 
of  the  state.  There  is  a  single  record 
of  its  occurrence  in  Wisconsin. 

Mr.  F.  M.  Woodruff  writes:  "Mr. 
J.  Grafton  Parker,  Jr.,  observed  one 
of  these  birds  at  South  Chicago  on 
October  15,  1897,  and  it  is  not 

uncommon  during  the  fall  and  winter  months  at  Kouts,  Indiana,  sixty 
miles  southeast  of  Chicago.     Mr.   O.   M.   Schantz  informs  me  that 


698     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

early  in  the  spring  of  1900,  before  the  trees  were  in  leaf,  he  saw  a 
large  flock  of  Tufted  Titmice  in  the  woods  west  of  Riverside,  Illinois." 
(Birds  of  the  Chicago  Area,  1907,  p.  188.) 

There  are  specimens  in  the  Field  Museum  collection  from  the 
northern  half  of  the  state,  taken  at  Henry  and  Warsaw. 

Messrs.  Kumlien  and  Hollister  state:  "In  the  Museum  of  the 
University  of  Wisconsin,  there  is  a  single  specimen  of  the  tufted  tit, 
shot  by  Mr.  N.  C.  Gilbert,  December  15,  1900,  near  Madison.  The 
bird  was  alone,  and  this  is  doubtless  the  only  record  for  the  state." 
(Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  124.) 

The  nest  is  in  a  hole  in  a  dead  tree.  The  eggs  are  5  to  8  in  number, 
pure  white  or  creamy  white,  speckled  with  reddish  brown,  and 
measure  about  .70  x  .55  inches. 


Genus  PENTHESTES  Reichenbach. 
352.     Penthestes  atricapillus  (LINN.). 
CHICKADEE. 

Par  us  atricapillus  Linn.,  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  307. 

Distr.:  Eastern  United  States  and  British  Provinces,  north  to 
southern  Labrador  and  southern  Keewatin;  breeds  from  Pennsyl- 
vania and  northern  Illinois  northward;  south  in  winter  to  Kentucky, 
Missouri,  and  Kansas;  also  occurs  west  of  the  Rocky  Mountains  in 
British  Columbia,  Washington,  and  Idaho,  but  not  in  the  intermediate 
country  west  of  Dakota. 

Adult:  Crown,  nape;  and  throat,  black;  sides  of  head  from  base  of 
bill,  white;  back,  ashy,  with  an  olive  tinge;  breast  and  middle  belly, 
white;  sides  and  lower  belly,  tinged  with  pale  tawny  brown;  wings 
and  tail,  dark  slaty  brown,  most  of  the  feathers  edged  with  white; 
greater  wing  coverts  edged  with  white.  Sexes  similar. 

Length,  5.15;  wing,  2.50;  tail,  2.45;  bill,  .32. 

The  Chickadee  is  a  common  resident  in  northern  Illinois  and  Wis- 
consin and  a  winter  visitant  in  southern  Illinois.  In  addition  to  the 
familiar  chick-a-dee-dee-dee,  from  which  it  has  derived  its  name,  the 
Chickadee  has  a  delightful  little  pee-wee  whistle  of  two  high  notes 
which  may  be  suggested  by  playing  E  C  of  the  scale  softly  on  the  flute. 

Breeds  in  April  and  May.  The  nest  is  in  a  hole  in  a  dead  stump 
or  tree  and  is  composed  of  moss,  feathers,  fine  grass,  plant  fiber,  etc. 
The  eggs  are  usually  from  6  to  8  in  number,  pure  white,  spotted  and 
speckled  chiefly  at  the  larger  end  with  shades  of  brown,  and  measure 
about  .60  x  .47  inches. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY. 


699 


* 


352a.     Penthestes  atricapillus  septentrionalis  (HARRIS). 
LONG-TAILED  CHICKADEE. 

Distr.:  Central  North  America,  from  the  Rocky  Mountains  and 
Salt  Lake  Valley  east  to  Minnesota,  Wisconsin,  and  Iowa,  south  to 
Kansas  and  New  Mexico,  breeding  northward  to  the  Mackenzie 
region  and  Alaska  (Kenai  Peninsula). 

Special  characters:  Resembles  P.  atricapillus,  but  tail  longer  than 
wing  (in  P.  atricapillus  the  wing  and  tail  are  about  equal  in  length) ; 
tail  feathers  usually  margined  with  white ;  the  greater  wing  coverts 
and  tertials  broadly  edged  with  white. 

While  the  Long-tailed  Chickadee  has  been  taken  in  Iowa  and 
Wisconsin,  it  does  not  appear  to  have  been  observed  in  Illihois  and 
should  be  looked  for  in  the  northwestern  part  of  the  state. 

Messrs.  Kumlien  and  Hollister  say :  "  In  late  fall  and  winter  typical 
specimens  of  this  form  are  taken  in  Wisconsin,  even  in  the  southern 
part  of  the  state,  but  more  often  in  the  northwestern  portion.  A 
number  were  taken  near  Hudson  in  November.  We  are  unable  to 
say  whether  they  are  resident  in  that  district,  or  merely  winter  vis- 
itors." (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  124.) 


yoo     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY- — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

353.     Penthestes  carolinensis  (Auo.). 
CAROLINA  CHICKADEE. 

Parus  carolinensis  Aud.,  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  308. 

Distr.:  Eastern  United  States,  from  the  south  Atlantic  and  Gulf 
states  north  to  Ohio,  Indiana,  and  Illinois;  west  to  Louisiana  and 
eastern  Missouri;  breeds  nearly  throughout  its  range. 

Adult:  Similar  to  P.  atricapillus,  but  averaging  smaller  and  the  tail 
shorter ;  the  greater  wing  coverts  not  margined  with  white ;  primaries, 
wings,  and  tail  very  slightly  edged  with  white,  sometimes  entirely 
absent  on  tail  feathers.  Sexes  similar. 

Length,  4.10  to  4.70;   wing,  2.20  to  2.55;   tail,  2.25;   bill,  .32. 

The  Carolina  Chickadee  is  a  common  resident  in  southern  Illinois, 
but  rare  in  the  northern  portion  of  the  state,  the  only  record  being 
that  given  by  Mr.  Nelson  who  gives  it  as  "a  rare  summer  visitant  to 
the  ' Pinery'  at  the  southern  end  of  Lake  Michigan."  It  has  not  been 
recorded  from  Wisconsin.  The  notes  resemble  those  of  P.  atricapil- 
lus  but  are  louder  and  rather  more  hurried. 

The  nest  is  in  a  hole  in  a  tree  or  stump.  The  eggs  are  6  to  8  in 
number,  pure  white,  spotted  and  speckled  with  brown  chiefly  at  the 
larger  end,  and  measure  about  .57  x  .45  inches. 

354.     Penthestes  hudsonicus  (FORST.). 
HUDSONIAN  CHICKADEE. 

Parus  hudsonicus  Forst.,  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  309. 

Distr.:  Northern  North  America,  north  to  Ungava  and  Alaska; 
breeds  north  of  the  United  States ;  casually  south  in  winter  to  north- 
ern Michigan,  Wisconsin,  and  northern  Illinois  (replaced  on  the  At- 
lantic coast  by  P.  h.  littoralis  Chapman). 

Adult:  Crown  and  back,  hair-brown  or  dull  grayish  brown;  sides 
of  head,  white ;  throat,  dull  black ;  breast  and  middle  of  belly,  whitish ; 
sides,  flanks,  and  under  tail  coverts,  chestnut  brown;  tail,  brownish 
slate-color.  Sexes  similar. 

Length,  5.20;   wing,  2.50;   tail,  2.50;   bill,  .32. 

The  Hudsonian  Chickadee  is  a  rare  winter  visitant  in  northern 
Illinois  and  Wisconsin.  Mr.  E.  W.  Nelson  gives  it  as:  "A  very  rare 
winter  visitant"  in  northeastern  Illinois  and  states  that  Dr.  Velie 
observed  them  at  Rock  Island  (Birds  N.  E.  Illinois,  1876,  p.  95). 

Mr.  John  F.  Ferry  shot  a  female  bird  of  this  species  at  Beach, 
Lake  County,  111.,  Nov.  5.  1906,  and  observed  another  on  November 
10,  1906,  near  Lake  Forest,  111.;  and  on  Nov.  8,  1906,  Mr.  F.  M.  Wood- 
ruff secured  two  specimens,  both  females,  near  Waukegan,  Illinois. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OP  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  701 

In  Wisconsin  but  few  specimens  have  been  taken,  although  we 
should  expect  to  find  it  in  winter,  especially  in  the  northern  portion 
of  the  state. 

Mrs.  Irene  G.  Wheelock  informs  me  that  she  observed  a  bird  of 
this  species  at  Lake  Geneva,  Wisconsin,  on  September  12,  1906. 

Dr.  Hoy  writes:  "A  small  party  of  this  northern  species  vis- 
ited Racine  during  the  unusually  cold  January  of  1852." 

Kumlien  and  Hollister  quote  Dr.  Hoy's  record  and  say:  "A 
single  specimen  was  taken  by  Thure  Kumlien  in  Jefferson  County 
at  this  same  time.  It  is  recorded  from  the  northern  peninsula 
of  Michigan  (Nehrling)  and  Dr.  H.  V.  Ogden  of  Milwaukee  writes 
us  that  he  saw  several,  and  shot  one  in  Iron  County,  but  un- 
fortunately did  not  preserve  a  skin.  He  also  writes :  '  I  fancy  a  few 
could  be  found  every  fall  in  the  northern  tier  of  counties.'  A  single 
individual  was  noted  in  Vilas  County,  at  close  range,  while  waiting 
on  a  deer  runway,  in  November,  1902,  but  could  not  be  collected 
as  we  were  armed  only  with  rifles  at  the  time  (N.  H.)."  (Birds 
of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  125.) 


yo2     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Family  SYLVIID^.      Kinglets,  Gnatcatchers, 
Old    World    Warblers,    etc. 

The  members  of  this  family  are  among  the  smallest  of  our  birds. 
They  are  more  or  less  migratory,  although  some,  like  the  kinglets, 
do  not  object  to  cold  weather  and  may  often  be  seen  in  the  snow 
covered  woods,  especially  in  early  winter.  The  Gnatcatcher,  on  the 
contrary,  prefers  a  warmer  climate  and  spends  the  winter  from  Florida 
southward.  The  nests  are  built  in  the  branches  of  trees,  usually 
some  distance  from  the  ground. 


I 


Gnatcatcher.  Kinglet. 

Subfamily   REGULIN^.      Kinglets. 

Genus   REGULUS   Cuvier. 
355.     Regulus  satrapa  (LIGHT.). 

GOLDEN-CROWNED  KINGLET. 

Distr.:  North  America  east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains;  breeds  from 
New  York  and  northern  Michigan  northward  to  Labrador  and  Kee- 
watin,  ranging  in  winter  as  far  south  as  Texas  and  the  Gulf  states  to 
northern  Florida. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  703 

Adult  male:   A  patch  of  golden  orange  on  middle  crown,  bordered 
by  yellow;   sides  of  crown,  black;   an  ashy  white  streak  over  the  eye 
and    across   front   of   forehead;     a    dusky 
loral    streak;    upper  parts,  grayish   olive, 
shading  to  olive  green  on  the  rump ;  under 
parts,  whitish  or  buffy  white;    outer  webs 
of  wing  feathers  edged  with  pale  greenish 
yellow,  broken  in  the  middle  by  a  blackish 
space,  forming  a  dusky  bar  on  the  closed 
wing;    greater  and  middle  wing  coverts  tipped  with  yellowish  white 
or  whitish;   tail,  dark  slaty  brown,  narrowly  edged  with  olive  green. 
Adult  female:    Similar,   but   crown   patch   bright   canary   yellow 
(without  orange)  bordered  by  black. 

Length,  about  4;  wing,  2.12;  tail,  1.70;  bill,  .26. 
This  pretty  little  species  is  a  common  migrant  in  Illinois  and  Wis- 
consin in  spring  and  fall,  and  a  more  or  less  common  winter  resident 
in  Illinois  and  southern  Wisconsin.  According  to  Mr.  Kline  a  few 
remain  all  summer  in  the  thick  swamps  near  Polo,  111.,  but  he  has 
never  succeeded  in  finding  their  nests  (Cooke,  Bird  Migration  Missis- 
sippi Valley,  1888,  p.  279). 

Messrs.  Kumlien  and  Hollister  state:  "Dr.  Ogden  states  that  it  is 
sometimes  found  in  mid-winter  in  Milwaukee  County,  and  the  same 
is  true  of  other  sections  of  the  state.  The  golden-crown  breeds  along 
the  south  shore  of  Lake  Superior,  in  Ontonagon  County,  Michigan, 
and  possibly  to  some  extent,  therefore,  in  the  pine  regions  of  northern 
Wisconsin."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  125.) 

While  with  us  it  rarely  attempts  anything  more  ambitious  in  the 
way  of  a  song  than  a  soft,  lisping  tsee,  tsee,  tsee. 


356.     Regulus  calendula  (LiNN.). 
RUBY-CROWNED  KINGLET. 

Distr.:  North  America,  north  to  Labrador,  the  Mackenzie  region, 
and  Alaska ;  winters  in  the  United  States,  Mexico,  and  Central  America 
to  Guatemala;  breeds  from  Quebec,  northern  Michigan,  and  moun- 
tains in  New  Mexico  northward. 

Adult  male:  A  patch  of  fiery  red  on  the  crown;  rest  of  upper  parts, 
grayish  olive,  shading  to  clear  olive  green  on  the  rump ;  wing  and  tail, 
dusky,  edged  more  or  less  with  yellowish  olive;  a  dusky  bar  on  the 
closed  wing,  as  in  the  preceding  species;  wing  coverts  tipped  with 
whitish;  under  parts,  ashy  white  or  whitish,  more  or  less  tinged  with 
pale  olive  buff. 


704     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Adult  female:  Similar  to  the  male,  but  top  of  head  like  back, 
without  red  crown  patch. 

Length,  4.25;  wing,  2.20;   tail,  1.72;   bill,  .28. 

The  Ruby-crowned  Kinglet  occurs  as  an  abundant  migrant  in 
Illinois  and  Wisconsin  in  spring  and  fall,  the  majority  of  them 
being  with  us  in  April  and  October.  It  has  a  delightful  song,  much 
louder  than  would  be  expected  from  suc,h  a  little  bird.  It  usually 
begins  with  a  variety  of  light  whistles  followed  by  a  short,  sweet 
warble.  Most  of  them  are  gone  by  the  first  of  November,  although  a 
few  remain  much  later. 


Subfamily   POLIOPTILIN^.      Gnatcatchers. 
Genus  POLIOPTILA   Sclater. 
357.     Polioptila  caerulea  (LiNN.). 

BLUE-GRAY  GNATCATCHER. 

Distr.:  Eastern  United  States,  west  to  Nebraska  and  north  to 
southern  Ontario,  Michigan,  northern  Illinois,  and  southern  Wiscon- 
sin, breeding  from  Florida  and  the  Gulf  states  northward  nearly 
throughout  its  range;  winters  in  the  Gulf  states,  Florida,  the  Bahama 
Islands,  Cuba,  and  the  Cayman  Islands,  and  in  Middle  America  to 
Guatemala. 

Adult  male:  Upper  parts,  bluish  gray;  front  of  forehead,  black; 
a  narrow  black  line  extends  backward, 
bordering  the  forehead  to  above  the 
eye;  wings,  dark  slaty  brown  or  fus- 
cous, the  secondaries  bordered  with 
whitish;  tail  feathers,  black,  the  two 
outer  feathers  entirely  white  except  at 
the  bases,  the  third  feather  tipped  with 

white ;  under  parts,  white,  usually  faintly  washed  with  pale  plumbeous 
on  breast  and  sides. 

Adult  female:  Similar,  but  grayer  above,  and  without  black  on  head. 
Length,  4.40;  wing,  2  to  2.15;  tail,  2.05;  bill,  .40. 
The  Blue-gray  Gnatcatcher  is  a  not  uncommon  summer  resident 
in  Illinois  and  southern  Wisconsin.     Butler  states  on  the  authority 
of  Mr.  Eliot  Blackwelder  that  it  breeds  in  Cook  Co.,  Illinois  (Birds 
of  Indiana,  1897,  p.  1145).    Woodruff  on  the  authority  of  Mr.  B.  T. 
Gault  records  it  as  breeding  in  Addison  Woods,  DuPage  Co.,  Illinois 
(Birds  Chicago  Area,  1907,  p.  191). 


JAN..  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  705 

In  southern  Wisconsin,  Messrs.  Kumlien  and  Hollister  consider  it 
a  fairly  common  summer  resident.  They  say:  "It  arrives  early  in 
the  spring,  in  small  flocks  of  half  a  dozen  or  more,  sometimes  by  the 
last  week  of  April.  Dr.  Ogden  has  found  it  breeding  in  Milwaukee 
County,  and  at  both  Delavan  and  Milton  it  nests  in  reasonable 
numbers  every  year.  Nest  building  usually  begins  by  May  20  and 
by  June  i  incubation  has  commenced.  The  young  are  still  in  the 
nest  up  to  June  15  or  20,  and  the  families  remain  together  the  entire 
summer.  Mr.  Clark  has  never  taken  this  species  in  Dunn  County 
during  a  great  many  years  of  active  collecting  and  observation.  It 
is  doubtful  if  it  is  common  north  of  the  southern  tier  of  counties, 
except  along  Lake  Michigan,  where  it  is  found  in  fair  numbers  as  far 
north  as  Two  Rivers."  (Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  125.) 

The  nest  is  on  a  branch  of  a  tree,  usually  25  feet  or  more  from  the 
ground  and  is  composed  of  grass,  plant  fiber,  lichens,  etc.  The  eggs 
are  4  or  5,  bluish  white,  thickly  spotted  and  speckled  with  shades  of 
brown,  and  measure  about  .55  x  .45  inches. 


Family    TURDID^E.       Thrushes,    Bluebirds, 
Solitaires,   etc. 

The  family  Turdidae  contains  about  150  species,  a  dozen  of  which 
(including  races)  occur  in  eastern  North  America.  They  are  migra- 
tory and  at  times  gather  in  flocks,  especially  in  the  south  and  during 
migrations.  Their  food  consists  of  insects,  berries,  and  fruit.  The 
location  and  style  of  nest  varies  with  different  species.  They  are 
all  good  songsters,  especially  the  Wood  Thrush,  whose  notes  are 
particularly  sweet  and  melodio.us. 


Subfamily   MYADESTIN^.      Solitaires. 

Genus   MYADESTES  Swainson. 

358.     Myadestes  townsendii  (Auo.). 

TOWNSEND'S  SOLITAIRE. 

Distr.:  Western  United  States,  from  the  Great  Plains  to  the  Pacific 
coast  and  from  British  Columbia  to  Lower  California;  breeds  from 
the  mountains  of  Arizona  and  New  Mexico  northward;  accidental 
in  Illinois. 


706     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Special  characters:  General  plumage,  uniform  brownish  gray, 
paler  on  throat;  a  distinct  white  ring  around  the  eye;  tip  and  outer 
web  of  tail  feathers,  ashy  gray. 

Length,  about  8  inches;  wing,  4.40  to  4.80;  tail,  4.20  to  4.70. 

The  only  record  of  the  occurrence  of  this  species  within  our  limits 
is  that  given  by  Mr.  E.  W.  Nelson,  who  states:  "A  single  specimen 
of  this  species  was  obtained  Dec.  16,  18,75,  by  Mr.  Chas.  Douglas  at 
Waukegan.  The  bird  was  found  in  a  sheltered  ravine,  extending  a 
short  distance  into  the  bluff,  bordering  the  lake  shore  near  the  above 
named  place  and  showed  no  alarm  when  approached.  Nothing 
peculiar  was  observed  concerning  its  habits,  except  that  its  move- 
ments were  very  sprightly."  (Birds  N.  E.  111.,  1876,  p.  94.) 


Hermit  Thrush. 


Robin. 


Wood  Thrush. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  707 

Subfamily  TURDIN^.      Thrushes. 

Genus  HYLOCICHLA  Baird. 

359.     Hylocichla  mustelina  (GMEL.). 

WOOD  THRUSH. 

T urdus  mustelinus  Gmel.,  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  316. 
Distr.:    Eastern  temperate   North  America,  west  to  the  Great 
Plains  and  north  to  Ontario,   Michigan,  and  Wisconsin;  south  in 
winter  to  Cuba  and  in  Middle  America  to  Guatemala;   breeds  from 
northern  Florida  and  the  Gulf  states  northward. 

Adult:  Top  of  head,  bright  tawny  cinnamon  brown,  shading  to 
olive  brown  on  the  back  and  brownish  olive  on  the  rump  and  tail; 

under  parts,  white,  faintly  tinged 
with   buff  on   the  breast,   and 
'^Sj-^         everywhere    except    on    upper 
^     throat;    middle    of    belly    and 
under  tail  coverts  marked  with 
large  blackish   spots   (the  con- 
spicuous spots  on  the  sid-es  of 
the  body  being  a  good   distin- 
guishing  character);  a  distinct 
white  eye  ring ;  auricular  region 
streaked  with  white  and  dusky. 
Sexes  similar. 
Length,  about  7.75;   wing,  4.25;  tail,  3;   bill,  .64. 
The  Wood  Thrush  is  a  summer  resident  in  Illinois  and  the  greater 
part  of  Wisconsin  from  May  until  the  latter  part  of  September.     It 
is  a  delightful  songster,  probably  the  best  of  this  group  of  celebrated 
avian  vocalists.     It  is  useless  to  attempt  to  describe  the  song;    no 
adequate  idea  of  it  can  be  conveyed  in  print,  as  combined  with  its 
peculiar  sweetness  the  peace  of  the  woodland  solitude  adds  to  its 
charm  and  it  must  be  heard  to  be  appreciated. 

Breeds  in  May  and  June.  The  nest  is  in  woods,  built  .on  the 
branch  of  a  low  tree,  rarely  more  than  10  feet  from  the  ground  and 
is  made  of  leaves,  small  twigs,  and  mud.  The  eggs  are  3  to  5,  plain 
blue,  similar  in  color  to  those  of  the  Robin,  but  slightly  lighter.  They 
measure  about  1.05  x  .73  inches. 

The  Field  Museum  collection  contains  a  series  of  sets  of  eggs  of 
this  species  taken  in  northern  Illinois  between  May  26  and  June  19. 


708     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

360.     Hylocichla  fuscescens  (STEPH.). 
WILSON'S  THRUSH. 

Turdus  fuscescens  Steph.,  A.  0.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  P-  3*7- 
Dislr.:  Eastern  North  America,  west  to  the  Plains  and  north  to 
Manitoba,  Ontario,  and  Newfoundland;  breeds  from  northern  Ohio, 
northern  Illinois,  and  Iowa  northward;  winters  sparingly  in  the  Gulf 
states  and  southward  to  Cuba,  Yucatan,  and  Middle  America  to 
northern  South  America. 

Adult:  Upper  parts,  cinnamon  brown,  nearly  uniform,  with  no 
decided  difference  in  color  between  back  and  tail;  no  distinct  white 

eye  ring;  throat  and  belly,  white; 
sides  tinged  with  pale  grayish; 
breast  and  sides  of  throat  faintly 
tinged  with  buff  and  marked  with 
numerous  small,  arrow-shaped  spots 
of  brownish  olive.  Sexes  similar. 

•Length,  7.45;   wing,  3.80;   tail, 
2.85;   bill,  .50. 

A  common  migrant  throughout 
Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  and  a  sum- 
mer resident  from  northern  Illinois 
northward.  The  majority  arrive 
early  in  May  and  leave  the  l-atter  part  of  September.  Its  song 
is  delightful  but  not  as  fine  as  that  of  the  Wood  Thrush.  It  may  be 
crudely  described  as  che-re-ry,  che-re-ry,  che-re-ry,  or  che-u-ry,  che-u-ry  t 
che-u-ry,  che-u-ry,  beginning  high  and  continuing  on  a  descending  scale. 
Mr.  W.  W.  Cooke  states  that  Mr.  Kline  took  two  sets  of  eggs  at 
Polo,  Illinois,  during  the  season  of  1883. 

It  breeds  regularly- in  Wisconsin,  but  is  more  common  in  the  north- 
ern than  in  the  southern  portion  of  the  state. 

The  nest  is  built  on  or  near  the  ground  and  is  composed  of  leaves, 
shreds  of  bark,  and  small  twigs.  The  eggs  are  3  to  5,  greenish  blue 
in  color,  and  measure  about  .86  x  .66  inches. 

360a.     Hylocichla  fuscescens  salicicola  RIDGW. 

WILLOW  THRUSH. 
Turdus  fuscescens  salicicola  Ridg'w.,  A.  O.  U.   Check  List,   1895, 

P-  3i7- 

Distr.:  Interior  regions  of  North  America,  from  the  Rocky  Moun- 
tain region  to  Illinois  and  Indiana,  north  to  British  Columbia,  breeding 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  709 

chiefly  from  North  Dakota  and  Manitoba  northward  and  occasionally 
farther  south;  casual  as  far  east  as  South  Carolina  during  migrations; 
in  winter  to  Middle  America  and  northern  South  America. 

Special  characters:  Similar  to  H.  fuscescens,  but  with  upper  parts 
darker  and  more  olive  brown,  and  the  streaks  on  throat  and  upper 
breast  averaging  darker. 

The  Willow  Thrush  is  not  uncommon  during  the  migrations  in 
Illinois  and  probably  Wisconsin,  but  from  lack  of  material  I  am 
unable  to  decide  this  question.  Typical  Illinois  specimens  of  both 
this  form  and  H.  fuscescens  are  represented  in  the  Field  Museum 
collection  as  well  as  a  number  of  intermediates. 

Messrs.  Kumlien  and  Hollister  say:  "A  single  specimen  taken  at 
Delavan,  May  6,  1899,  and  identified  by  Mr.  Wm.  Brewster,  is  the 
sole  claim  for  introducing  this  race  here.  We  are  of  the  opinion  that 
a  careful  examination  of  the  migrating  fuscescens  will,  reveal  numbers 
of  this  form,  especially,  it  would  seem,  in  the  western  part  of  the  state.'* 
(Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  126.) 

Its  song  is  similar  to  that  of  the  Wilson's  Thrush. 

361.     Hylocichla  aliciae  (BAIRD). 
GRAY-CHEEKED  THRUSH. 

Turdus  alicice  Baird,  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  317. 
Distr.:   Northern  and  eastern  North  America,  breeding  far  north- 
ward   (Newfoundland,    Labrador,   Mackenzie   region,    Alaska,    etc.), 
migrating  south,  east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains  to  the  Greater  Antilles, 
Central  America,  and  northern  South  America. 

Adult:  Upper  parts,  uniform  olive,  with  little  or  no  difference 
between  color  of  the  back  and  tail;  lores,  grayish;  middle  of  upper 

throat,  middle  of  belly  and  under 
tail  coverts,  white;  sides  washed 
with  olive  gray;  lower  throat 
and  breast  washed  with  faint 
tinge  of  pale  buff  and  thickly 
marked  with  blackish  arrow- 
shaped  spots.  Sexes  similar. 

Length,  7.45;  wing,  4;  tail, 
3;  bill,  .52. 

The  Gray-cheeked  Thrush  is 
very  common  in  Illinois  and 
Wisconsin  during  the  migrations 
in  spring  and  fall.  It  resembles 


yio     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX 

the  Olive-backed  Thrush  but  differs  in  having  the  breast  and  sides  of 
the  throat  only  faintly  tinged  with  buff,  and  in  its  grayish  lores  and 
whitish  eye  ring. 


36 1  a.     Hylocichla  aliciae  bicknelli  RIDGW. 
BICKNELL'S  THRUSH. 

Turdus  alicics  bicknelli  (Ridgw.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  317. 

Distr.:  Eastern  United  States;  breeding  on  mountains  of  New 
England  from  Massachusetts  northward  and  in  Nova  Scotia;  south 
in  winter  to  southeastern  states  and  Bahamas;  accidental  in  Illinois. 

Special  characters:  Similar  to  H.  alicics  but  smaller;  the  tail  de- 
cidedly shorter  and  the  upper  parts  averaging  browner. 

Wing,  3.40  to  3.80;  tail,  2.60  to  2.88. 

The  only  record  of  the  occurrence  of  Bicknell's  Thrush  within 
our  limits  is  that  given  by  Ridgway,  who  states:  "A  single  speci- 
men was  obtained  at  Warsaw,  Illinois,  on  the  24th  of  May,  1884,  by 
Mr.  Chas.  K.  Worthen,  thus  considerably  extending  its  known  range 
and  adding  it  to"  the  fauna  of  this  state."  (Orn.  of  Illinois,  1889, 

P-  59-) 

The  occurrence  of  this  form  in  Illinois  is  most  unexpected  as  it  is 
far  out  of  its  usual  range. 

362.     Hylocichla  ustulata  swainsonii  (CAB.). 
OLIVE-BACKED  THRUSH. 

Turdus  ustulatus  swainsonii  (Cab.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895, 
p.  318. 

Distr.:  North  America  in  general,  except  Pacific  coast  of  United 
States,  breeding  from  the  northern  border  of  the  United  States  north- 
ward to  Hudson  Bay  and  Alaska;  south  in  winter  to  Mexico,  Cen- 
tral America,  and  northern  South  America. 

Adult:  Upper  parts,  uniform  olive,  showing  little  or  no  difference 
in  color  of  back  and  tail ;  eye  ring  and  lores,  tawny  buff;  throat  and 
breast  with  decided  tinge  of  pale  tawny  buff,  marked  on  breast  and 
sides  of  throat  with  dusky  arrow-shaped  spots ;  sides  of  body  washed 
with  grayish  olive;  belly  and  under  tail  coverts,  white;  a  few  obscure 
grayish  olive  spots  on  the  upper  belly.  Sexes  similar. 

Length,  about  7.15;  wing,  3.90;   tail,  2.75;   bill,  .50. 

The  Olive-backed  Thrush  is  abundant  during  the  migrations  in 
spring  and  fall  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin.  Mr.  Nelson  records  a  speci- 
men taken  in  June  and  another,  July  gth,  in  the  vicinity  of  Chicago 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY. 


711 


(Birds  N.  E.  111.,  1876,  p.  93), 
but  this  does  not  necessarily 
indicate  breeding.  Injured  or 
non-breeding  birds  often  re- 
main during  the  summer  far 
south  of  their  usual  habitat. 

It  is  not  known  to  breed  in 
northern  Wisconsin,  but  it  is 
not  unlikely  that  it  does  so. 
The  song  is  charming  but  not 
as  fine  or  as  varied  as  that  of 
the  Wood  Thrush,  which  it 
oiive-backed  Thrush.  somewhat  resembles. 

Alma's  Thrush,  Hylocichla  ustulata  aim®  Bishop,   recorded   from 

Wisconsin  (Kumlien  and  Hollister,  Birds  of  Wisconsin,  1903,  p.  127) 

is  apparently  inseparable  from  H.  u.  swainsonii. 


363.     Hylocichla  guttata  pallasii  (CAB.). 

HERMIT  THRUSH. 
Turdus  aonalaschkce  pallasii  (Cab.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,   1895 } 

P-  3*9- 

Distr.:  Eastern  North  America,  breeding  from  Massachusetts, 
mountains  of  Pennsylvania,  southern  Ontario,  and  northern  Michi- 
gan (Mackinac  Island)  northward  to  Labrador,  Manitoba,  Atha- 
baska,  and  the  Mackenzie  region;  winters  from  Illinois  (about  lat- 
itude 40°)  to  the  Gulf  coast;  accidental  in  Greenland,  Bermuda,  and 
Europe. 

Adult:  Upper  parts,  brownish  olive,  or  dark  olive  brown,  shading 
into  rufous  brown  on  tail  coverts  and  tail,  in  decided  contrast  to  color 

of  the  back;  throat  and  breast 
faintly  tinged  with  buff';  breast 
and  sides  of  throat  rather  heavily 
marked  with  blackish  arrow-shaped 
spots;  belly,  white;  sides  washed 
with  pale  grayish  olive.  The  dif- 
ference in  color  of  tail  and  back 
is  a  good  distinguishing  character. 
Sexes  similar. 

Length,  7.10;  wing,  3.65;  tail, 
2.85;   bill,  .50. 

This  species  is  common  in  Illi- 


712     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

nois  and  Wisconsin  in  spring  and  fall  during  the  migrations,  and  a 
not  uncommon  summer  resident  in  northern  Wisconsin.  Mr.  John 
F.  Ferry  found  it  common  near  Woodruff,  Vilas  County,  Wis- 
consin, during  the  last  week  in  June,  1908,  and  procured  partly 
fledged  young  birds.  Mr.  F.  H.  King  records  it  from  Waupaca  in 
July.  (Geol.  of  Wisconsin,  1883,  p.  475.) 

The  song,  which,  is  very  charming,  somewhat  resembles  that  of 
the  Wood  Thrush,  but  is  more  "metallic"  and  not  so  loud. 


Genus  PLANESTICUS   Bonap. 

364.     Planesticus  migratorius  (LINN.). 

ROBIN. 

Merula  migratoria    (Linn.),  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  1895,  p.  320. 

Distr.:  Eastern  North  America,  west  to  the  Rocky  Mountains, 
eastern  Mexico,  and  Alaska;  breeds  from  Virginia,  Ohio,  northern 
Indiana,  and  Illinois  northward  to  Arctic  regions  (limit  of  trees) ; 
winters  chiefly  from  the  northern  United  States  to  the  Gulf  coast 
and  Cuba;  acc'dental  in  Bermuda  and  Europe. 

Adult  male  in  summer:  Upper  parts,  dark  slate  color,  usually  with 
an  olive  tinge;  head,  black;  the  throat,  white,  streaked  with  black; 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN. —  CORY.  713 

a  spot  in  front  of  the  eye  and  eyelid,  white;  primaries,  dusky  slate- 
color,  with  pale  edges;  under  parts  and  under  wing  coverts,  rufous 
chestnut,  usually  more  or  less  white  on  lower  belly;  under  tail  coverts, 
white;  tail,  brownish  black,  the  outer  tail  feather  tipped  with  white; 
bill,  mostly  yellow. 

Adult  female  in  summer:  Similar  but  paler,  the  feathers  on  back 
of  head  tipped  with  grayish. 

Adult  male  and  female  in  fall  and  winter:  Feathers  of  under  parts, 
tipped  with  white;  crown  feathers,  dusky,  edged  with  grayish;  bill, 
dark. 

Immature  in  summer:  Plumage  paler;  under  parts  spotted  with 
black;  back  with  whitish  centres  to  feathers;  a  whitish  stripe  over 
the  eye. 

Length,  9.50  to  10.50;  wing,  5.10;  tail,  4;  bill,  .80. 

The  Robin  is  an  abundant  summer  resident  in  Illinois  and  Wis- 
consin, and  a  not  uncommon  winter  resident  in  the  more  southern 
portion  of  Illinois  and  casually  much  farther  north. 

The  majority  breed  in  May  and  early  in  June.  The  nest  is  rather 
large,  composed  of  grass,  small  twigs,  leaves,  and  mud,  usually  on  a 
branch  of  a  tree.  The  eggs  are  from  3  to  5,  plain  greenish  blue,  very 
rarely  with  a  few  irregular  brown  spots,  and  measure  about  1.15 
x  .79  inches. 

The  song  of  the  Robin  is  melodious  and  varied,  although  he  is 
prone  to  indulge  in  a  series  of  loud  and  somewhat  unmusical  chirps. 
He  is  among  the  first  to  cheer  us  in  the  spring  and  is  still  to  be  heard 
late  in  the  fall  when  most  of  our  feathered  songsters  are  missing. 
While  he  may  annoy  us  by  eating  our  cherries  and  small  fruits,  he  also 
destroys  many  worms  and  injurious  insects,  and  to  quote  my  esteemed 
friend,  Robert  Ridgway,  "  '  With  all  his  faults,  we  love  him  still.'  No 
American  orchard  would  be  complete  without  its  pair  of  Robins,  and 
his  absence  would  create  a  void  in  the  ranks  of  our  birds,  which  would 
be  felt  by  every  one  who  cherishes  memories  of  his  boyhood  days." 


714     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


Subfamily  SIALIIN^.      Bluebirds. 

Genus  SIALIA   Swainson. 

365.     Sialia  sialis  (LiNN.). 

BLUEBIRD. 

Distr.:  United  States  and  southern  Canada,  west  to  the  base  of 
the  Rocky  Mountains;  winters  from  the  middle  states  to  the  Gulf 
coast  (casual  or  accidental  in  Cuba) ;  breeds  nearly  throughout  its 
range. 

Adult  male:  Upper  parts,  bright  blue;  wings  and  tail,  blue,  the 
former  with  the  ends  blackish;  throat,  breast  and  sides  of  body,  chest- 


Bluebird. 

nut;  belly  and  under  tail  coverts,  white,  some  of  the  latter  tinged  with 
grayish  blue;  bill  and  feet,  black. 

Adult  female:  Similar,  but  blue  of  upper  parts  more  or  less  tinged 
with  grayish  brown,  shading  into  bright  blue  on  rump  and  tail,  the 
chestnut  on  under  parts  paler. 

Immature  in  -first  plumage:  Upper  parts,  grayish  brown;  wings  and 
tail,  blue;  the  back  with  white  streaks  (caused  by  the  white  shaft 
lines  of  the  feathers) ;  under  parts,  white;  the  feathers  of  the  breast 
and  sides  edged  with  grayish  brown,  producing  an  irregular  streaked 
appearance. 

Length,  6.80;  wing,  3.90;  tail,  2.65;  bill,  .45. 

The  Bluebird  is  a  very  common  summer  resident  in  Illinois  and 
Wisconsin,  the  majority  arriving  from  the  south  in  March  (earliest 
Chicago  record,  February  22)  and  leaving  again  in  September. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  715 

The  breeding  season  lasts  from  April  until  the  middle  of  June.  The 
nest  is  in  hollow  trees  and  stumps  or  about  buildings.  The  eggs  are 
from  4  to  7,  very  pale  blue  or  bluish  white,  rarely  white,  and  measure 
about  .83  x  .64  inches. 

The  Field  Museum  collection  contains  a  series  of  sets  of  eggs  taken 
in  northern  Illinois  between  April  25  and  June  10.  The  song  of  the 
Bluebird  is  a  pleasing  whistle,  usually  a  single  note  repeated  two  or 
three  times. 

The  Mountain  Bluebird,  Sialia  arctica,  was  included  by  Mr.  Nel- 
son on  the  authority  of  Dr.  Hoy.  He  states:  "Dr.  Hoy  informs  me 
that  he  has  seen  a  specimen  of  this  species  in  a  collection  at  Dubuque, 
Iowa,  which  was  taken  late  in  the  fall  upon  the  east  side  of  the  Missis- 
sippi River  near  that  town."  (Birds  N.  E.  111.,  1876,  p.-  95.)  But  Mr. 
Ridgway  says  (Birds  North  and  Middle  America,  1907,  p.  145,  foot- 
note) :  "I  have  examined  the  specimen  upon  which  the  above  record 
was  based  and  it  proves  to  be  a  somewhat  discolored  example  of 
S.  sialis,  female." 


INDEX   TO    KEY   TO   EGGS. 

PAGE 

GROUP  i.     White  eggs  (unmarked) .-* 719 

Section  i.     Nest  on  branches  of  trees  or  bushes 719 

Part  i.     Eggs  less  than  .60  inch  long 719 

Part  2.     Eggs  from  .60  to  ..85  inches  long 719 

Part  3.     Eggs  between  .90  and  1.25  inches  long 719 

Part  4.      Eggs  more  than  1.50  inches  long 719 

Section  2.     Nest  in  hole  in  tree,  stump,  or  post .' 720 

Part  i.      Eggs  less  than  .80  inch  long 720 

Part  2.      Eggs  from  .80  to  .98  inches  long: 720 

Part  3.     Eggs  from  .98  to  1.25  inches  long 720 

Part  4 .     Eggs  from  1.25  to  1.75  inches  long 721 

Part  5.     Eggs  more  than  1.75  inches  long 721 

Section  3.     Nest  about  dwellings,  barns,  and  out-buildings 721 

Section  4.     Nest  in  open  fields  on  ground  or  in  bunch  of  grass 721 

Part  i.     Eggs  less  than  1.50  inches  long 721 

Part  2.      Eggs  more  than  1.50  inches  long 722 

Section  5.     Nest  in  hole  in  bank 722 

Part  i .      Eggs  less  than  i  inch  long 722 

Part  2 .      Eggs  more  than  i  inch  long 722 

Section  6.      Nest    in    swampy    places,    in  reeds  or  grass,  on   ground, 

or  on  floating  vegetation 722 

Part  i.      Eggs  less  than  i  inch  long 722 

Part  2.      Eggs  between  i  and  1.50  inches  long 722 

Part  3.     Eggs  more  than  1.50  inches  long 723 

GROUP  2.     Eggs  blue  or  greenish  blue  (unmarked) 723 

Section  i.     Nest  on  branches  of  trees  or  bushes 723 

Part  i.      Eggs  less  than  .76  inch  long 723 

Part  2.     Eggs  from  .77  to  i  inch  long 723 

Part  3.     Eggs  from  i  inch  to  1.35  inches  long 723 

Part  4.     Eggs  more  than  1.35  inches  long 724 

Section  2.      Nest  in  hole  in  tree,  stump,  or  post 724 

Section  3.     Nest  about  dwellings  and  barns 724 

Section  4.     Nest  in  open  fields,  on  ground,  or  in  bunch  of  grass 724 

Section  5.     Nest  in  swampy  places,  in  reeds,  or  grass,  on  ground,  or 

on  floating  vegetation 725 

GROUP  3.     Eggs  not  white  or  blue  (unmarked) 725 

Section  i.     Nest  on  branches  of  trees  or  bushes 725 

Section  2.     Nest  in  hole  in  tree,  stump,  or  post 725 

Section  3.     Nest  about  dwellings,  and  barns,  and  buildings 726 

Section  4.     Nest  in  open  fields,  on  ground,  or  in  bunch  of  grass 726 

Section  5.      Nest  on  ground,  in  woods,  in  dry  places 726 

Section  6.      Nest  in  swampy  places,  in  reeds  or  grass,  on  ground,  or 

on  floating  vegetation 726 

716   • 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  717 

PAGE 

GROUP  4.     Eggs  spotted  chiefly  at  larger  end 726 

Section  i.     Nest  in  branches  of  trees  or  bushes 726 

Part  i.     Eggs  less  than  .75  inch  long 726 

Part  2.     Eggs  .75  or  more  inches  long 727 

Section  2.     Nest  in  hole  in  tree,  stump,  or  post 728 

Section  3.     Nest  about  dwellings  and  barns 728 

Section  4.      Nest  in  open  fields,  on  ground,  or  in  bunch  of  grass 728 

Section  5.     Nest  in  woods,  on  ground,  in  dry  places 729 

Section  6.     Nest  in  swampy  places,, in  reeds  or  grass,  on  ground,  or 

on  floating  vegetation 729 

Part  i.     Eggs  less  than  1.15  inches  long 729 

Part  2.     Eggs  from  1.15  to  1.35  inches  long 729 

Part  3.     Eggs  more  than  1.35  inches  long 730 

Section  7.     Nest  on  sandy  shores  and  beaches 730 

GROUP  5.     Eggs  speckled  all  over 730 

Section  i.      Nest  in  branches  of  trees  or  bushes 730 

Section  2.     Nest  in  hole  in  tree,  stump,  or  post 731 

Section  3.     Nest  about  dwellings  and  barns 73 1 

Section  4.      Nest  in  open  fields,  on  ground,  or  in  bunch  of  grass 731 

Part  i .     Eggs  less  than  i  inch  long 731 

Part  2.     Eggs  from  i  to  1.50  inches  long 731 

Part  3.     Eggs  more  than  1.50  inches  long 732 

Section  5.     Nest  on  ground,  in  woods,  in  dry  places 732 

Section  6.     Nest  in  swampy  places,  in  reed  or  grass,  on  ground,  or  on 

floating -vegetation 732 

Part  i.     Eggs  less  than  1.50  inches  long 732 

Part  2.     Eggs  more  than  1.50  inches  long 732 

GROUP  6.     Eggs  marked  all  over  with  irregular  blotches,  spots,  or  streaks. .  734 

Section  i.     Nest  on  branches  of  trees  or  bushes 734 

Part  i.     Eggs  less  than  .85  inch  long 734 

Part  2.     Eggs  from  .85  to  .95  inches  long 734 

Part  3.     Eggs  from  .95  to  1.50  inches  long 735 

Part  4.     Eggs  from  1.05  to  1.30  inches  long 735 

Part  5.     Eggs  from  1.30  to  2  inches  long 735 

Part  6.     Eggs  more  than  2  inches  long 735 

Section  2.     Nest  in  hole  in  tree,  stump,  or  post 736 

Part  i.     Eggs  less  than  i  inch  long 736 

Part  2.      Eggs  more  than  i  inch  long 736 

Section  3.     Nest  about  dwellings  and  barns 736 

Part  i.      Eggs  less  than  i  inch  long 736 

Part  2.      Eggs  more  than  i  inch  long 736 

Section  4.     Nest  in  open  fields,  on  ground,  or  in  bunch  of  grass  ..'...  737 

Section  5.      Nest  on  ground,  in  woods,  in  dry  places 737 

Part  i.     Eggs  less  than  i  inch  long 737 

Part  2.      Eggs  more  than  i  inch  long 738 

Section  6.     Nest  in  swampy  places,  in  reeds  or  grass,  on  ground,  or  on 

floating  vegetation 738 

Part  i .     Eggs  less  than  i  inch  long 738 

Part  2.      Eggs  from  i  to  1.50  inches  long    738 

Part  3.     Eggs  more  than  1.50  inches  long 739 


5 


a      r5 
3      * 


A    KEY    TO    THE    EGGS 

OF   THE    MORE   COMMON   BIRDS    KNOWN  TO    BREED    IN 
NORTHERN  ILLINOIS  AND  SOUTHERN  WISCONSIN. 


GROUP  1  .*      WHITE  EGGS    (UNMARKED). 

SECTION    i.     NEST  ON   BRANCHES   OF  TREES   OR 
BUSHES. 

PART  i.     EGGS  LESS  THAN  .60  IN.  LONG. 

Eggs  2.     Size,  about  .50  x  .35.     Smallest  of  our  birds'  eggs. 

Trochilus  colubris. 
Ruby-throated  Hummingbird. 

PART  2.     EGGS  FROM  .60  TO  .85  IN.  LONG. 

Eggs,  3  to  6.  Size,  about  .66  x  .48.  Eggs  usually  showing  faint 
bluish  tinge.  Nest  lined  with  thistle  down,  usually  from  6  to  25  feet 
from  ground.  Breeds,  July  and  August.  Bird:  female,  wings  and  tail, 
dusky;  under  parts  tinged  with  yellow.  Male,  bright  yellow;  crown, 
wings,  and  tail,  black.  Astragalinus  tristis. 

American  Goldfinch. 

Eggs,  3  to  4.  Size,  about  .73  x  .55.  Eggs  usually  showing  faint 
bluish  tinge.  Nest  not  lined  with  thistle  down,  usually  in  crotch  of 
bush  near  ground.  Breeds,  May  and  June.  Bird:  female,  grayish; 
wings,  dusky;  no  yellow  on  under  parts.  Male,  blue;  wing  and  tail, 
mostly  black.  Passerina  cyanea. 

Indigo  Bunting. 

PART  3.     EGGS  BETWEEN  .90  AND  1.25  IN.  LONG. 

Eggs,  2.     Size,  about  1.08  x  .83.     Nest,  a  mat  of  loose  twigs. 

Zenaidura  macroura  carolinensis. 
Mourning  Dove. 

PART  4.     EGGS  MORE  THAN  1.50  IN.  LONG. 

Eggs,  3  to  6.  Size,  1.92  x  1.55.  Eggs,  sometimes  dull  white  or  pale 
bluish  white,  but  usually  more  or  less  faintly  marked  with  pale  brown. 

Accipiter  cooperii. 
Cooper's  Hawk. 

*Eggs  vary  more  or  less  in  size  and  as  the  average  measurements  are  given  in  this  key,  they 
should  only  be  considered  as  approximate.  For  example,  if  in  a  series  of  eggs  of  a  certain  species 
'the  longest  was  1.15  in.  (measured  on  a  straight  line)  and  the  shortest  i.oo,  the  length  here  given 
would  be  i. 08  in. 

719 


720     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Eggs,  2  to  4.  Size,  1.96  x  1.66.  Eggs,  pure  white,  not  bluish  white. 
Nest  in  old  crow's  or  hawk's  nest,  sometimes  in  hollow  tree. 

Strix  varia. 
Barred  Owl. 

Eggs,  2  to  3.  Size,  2.20x1.82.  Eggs,  pure  white;  the  size  will 
distinguish  them  from  preceding  species.  Nest  in  old  crow's  or  hawk's 
nest,  sometimes  in  hollow  tree.  Bubo  virginianus. 

Great  Horned  Owl. 


SECTION  2.     NEST  IN  HOLE  IN  TREE,  STUMP,  OR  POST. 

PART  i.     EGGS  LESS  THAN  .80  IN.  LONG. 

Eggs,  4  to  7.     Size,  .75  x  .53;   shape,  rather  long  and  narrow. 

Iridoprocne  bicolor. 
Tree  Swallow. 

Eggs,  4  to  6.  Size,  .75  x  .60.  Eggs  rounded;  the  width  will  dis- 
tinguish them  from  those  of  preceding  species.  Bird:  if  bird  is  seen, 
no  one  can  mistake  a  Woodpecker  for  a  Swallow. 

Dryobates  pubescens  medianus. 
Downy  Woodpecker. 

PART  2.     EGGS  FROM  .80  TO  .98  IN.  LONG. 


5  to  7.     Size,  .88  x  .68.     Bird:   female,  large;   patch  of  black 
on  breast  ;   top  of  head,  red  ;  no  red  on  throat.     A  rather  rare  breeder. 

Sphyrapicus  varius. 
Yellow-bellied  Woodpecker. 

Eggs,  4  to  6.  Size,  .92  x  .74.  Bird:  female,  throat  and  under  parts, 
pure  white;  crown,  black.  A  common  breeder.  Dryobates  villosus. 

Hairy  Woodpecker. 

PART  3.     EGGS  FROM  .98  TO  1.25  IN.  LONG. 

Eggs,  3  to  5.  Size,  about  i.oox.yo.  The  slight  but  noticeable 
difference  in  size  will  distinguish  them  from  those  of  the  next  species. 
Bird:  female,  bluish  black  above  (at  a  distance  appears  to  be  black), 
grayish  beneath;  no  yellow  or  red  in  plumage.  Male,  entire  plumage, 
shiny  blue-black.  Progne  subis. 

Purple  Martin. 

Eggs,  4  to  6.  Size,  about  i.oo  x  .76.  Shape,  more  elongated  and 
narrower  than  next  species.  Bird,  whole  head  and  throat,  red;  wings 
showing  much  white.  Melanerpes  erythrocephalus. 

Red-headed  Woodpecker. 

Eggs,  5  to  10.  Size,  about  i.iox.87.  Bird,  size,  large;  black 
patch  on  breast  ;  under  wings  and  tail,  yellow  ;  no  white  on  wings  ;  top 
of  head  and  throat,  not  red.  (Female.)  Colaptes  auratus  luteus. 

Northern  Flicker. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  721 

PART  4.     EGGS  1.25  TO  1.75  IN.  LONG. 

Eggs,  4  to  6.     Size,  about  1.45  x  1.20.     Bird,  gray,  sometimes  red- 
brown.  Otus  asio. 

Screech  Owl. 

PART  5.     EGGS  OVER  1.75  IN.  LONG. 

Eggs,  8  to  14.     Size,  about  2.05  x  1.55.     Eggs,  buff  white,  or  pale 
buff,  not  pure  white.  Aix  sponsa. 

Wood  Duck. 
Eggs,  2  to  4.     Size,  about  1.95  x  1.65.     Eggs,  white. 

Strix  varia. 
Barred  Owl. 
Eggs,  8  to  10.     Size,  about  2.10x1.75. 

Lophodytes  cttcullatus . 
Hooded  Merganser. 
Eggs,  2  to  3.     Size,  about  2.20  x  1.82      Eggs,  pure  white. 

Bubo  virginianus. 
Great  Horned  Owl. 


SECTION  3.     NEST  ABOUT  DWELLINGS  AND  BARNS. 

Eggs,  4  to  6.  Size,  about  .78  x  .58.  Nest,  moss,  grass,  and  mud 
placed  on  top  of  beam  or  rafter,  not  attached  to  side.  Sayornis  phaebe. 

Phoebe  Flycatcher. 

Eggs,  4  to  6.  Size,  about  .80 x.5 2.  Shape,  narrower  than  preceding 
species.  Nest  usually  in  chimney  (sometimes  in  barns),  composed  of 
small  dead  twigs  glued  to  side  of  bricks  or  rafter.  Bird,  smoky  black. 

Chcetura  pelagica. 
Chimney  Swift. 

Eggs,  4  to  5.  Size,  about  i. oo  x  .70.  Distinguished  by  size  from 
others  in  this  section.  Progne  subis. 

Purple  Martin. 


SECTION  4.    NEST  IN  OPEN  FIELDS,  ON  GROUND  OR 
IN  BUNCH  OF  GRASS. 

> 
PART  i.     EGGS   LESS   THAN    1.50    IN.    LONG. 

Eggs,  2.     Size,  about  i.io  x  .82.     Nest,  a  flat  mat  of  twigs,  rarely 
on  the  ground,  usually  on  a  branch.     Zenaidura  macroura  carolinensis. 

Mourning  Dove. 

Eggs,  10  to  18.     Size,  about  i .  20  x  .94.     Nest,  merely  a  little  grass 
on  ground.  Colinus  virginianus. 

Quail.     Bob-white. 


722     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

PART  2.  EGGS  MORE  THAN  1.50  IN.  LONG. 

Eggs,  4  to  7.      Size,  about  1.55  x  1.25.      Eggs,  pure  white.     Nest  on 
ground  in  fields  and  low  prairies.  Asia  ftammeus. 

Short-eared  Owl. 

Eggs,  4   to    7.     Size,  about    1.75  x  1.40.      Eggs,  pure   Avhite.      Nest 
usually  about  marshy  places.  Circus  hudsonius. 

Marsh  Hawk. 

Eggs,   6   to    12.      Size,   about   1.80  x  1.30.      Eggs,  creamy  white,  or 
buffy  white,  not  pure  white.     Nest,  near  water.        Querquedula  discors. 

Blue-winged  Teal. 


SECTION  5.     NEST  IN  HOLE  IN  BANK. 

PART  i.     EGGS  LESS  THAN  i  IN.  LONG. 

Eggs,  4  to  6.  Size,  about  .70  x  .48.  In  size  the  eggs  of  this  and  the 
next  species  are  hardly  distinguishable,  although  the  Rough-wing  is 
slightly  the  larger.  Bird,  under  parts,  white,  with  conspicuous  band  of 
brown  on  breast.  Riparia  riparia. 

Bank  Swallow. 

Eggs,  4  to  7.  Size,  about  .72  x  .51.  Bird,  under  parts  brownish 
gray,  no  band  on  breast.  Stelgidopteryx  serripennis. 

Rough-winged  Swallow. 

PART  2.     EGGS  MORE  THAN     i   IN.  LONG. 

Eggs,  5  to  8.  Size,  about  i-34x  1.05.  Nest,  deep  hole  in  bank  near 
water.  Ceryle  alcyon. 

Belted  Kingfisher. 


SECTION  6.     NEST  IN  SWAMPY  PLACES,    IN   REEDS   OR 
GRASS,  ON  GROUND  OR  ON  FLOATING  VEGETATION. 

PART  i.     EGGS  LESS  THAN  i   IN.  LONG. 

Eggs,  6  to  8.     Size,  about  .66  x  .47.     Nest,  on  or  near  ground  in 
grass,  made   of  grasses  and  globular  in  shape;    entrance  on  the  side. 

Cistothorus  stellaris. 
Short-billed  Marsh  Wren. 

PART  2.     EGGS  BETWEEN  i  AND  1.50  IN.  LONG. 

Eggs,  3  to  6.      Size,  about  i.2ox  .92;   white,  with  faint  bluish  tinge. 
Nest  in  reeds  or  small  bush  in  swamp  or  pond.  Ixobrychus  exilis. 

Least  Bittern. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  723 

PART  3.     EGGS  MORE  THAN  1.50  IN.  LONG. 

Eggs,  5  to  8.  Size,  about  1.70  x  1.19;  dull  creamy  white  or  buff y 
white,  more  or  less  soiled.  •  Nest,  a  mass  of  floating  vegetation  in  swamp 
or  pond.  Podilymbus  podiceps. 

Pied-billed  Grebe. 

Eggs,  3  to  6.  Size,  about  1.78  x  1.40;  pure  white.  Nest  on  ground 
in  marshy  places.  Circus  hudsonius. 

Marsh  Hawk. 

Eggs,  6  to  12.  Size,  about  1.84x1.33;  creamy  white  or  buffy 
white,  not  pure  white.  Nest  on  ground  near  water. 

Querquedula  discors. 
Blue-winged  Teal. 


GROUP  2.    EGGS   BLUE    OR   GREENISH   BLUE 
(UNMARKED). 

SECTION  i.     NEST  ON  BRANCHES   OF  TREES  OR 
BUSHES. 

PART  i.     EGGS  LESS  THAN  .76  IN.  LONG. 

Eggs,  3  to  6.  Size,  about  .66  x  .47 ;  faintly  blue  or  bluish  white. 
Nest  lined  with  thistle  down,  usually  some  distance  from  ground  (6  to 
25  ft.).  Astragalinus  tristis. 

American  Goldfinch. 

Eggs,  3  to  4.  Size,  about  .73  x  .55;  faintly  blue,  often  apparently 
white.  Nest  not  lined  with  thistle  down,  usually  in  crotch  of  bush  near 
ground.  Passerina  cyanea. 

Indigo  Bunting. 

PART  2.     EGGS  FROM  .77  TO  i  IN.  LONG. 

Eggs,  4  to  5.  Size,  about  .80  x  .60;  very  pale  blue  or  bluish  ashy. 
Bird,  shows  more  or  less  yellow  on  breast.  Spiza  americana. 

Dickcissel.     Black-throated  Bunting. 

Eggs»  3  to  5-  s*ze.  about  .93  x.68;  deep  blue  or  greenish  blue. 
Bird,  general  plumage  slaty  gray.  Dumetella  carolinensis. 

Catbird. 

PART  3.     EGGS  FROM  i  IN.  TO  1.35  IN.  LONG.  ' 

Eggs,  2  to  5.  Size,  1.02  x.74;  light  blue.  Bird,  above,  rufous 
brown ;  under  parts,  white,  with  distinct  spots.  Hylocichla  mustelina. 

Wood  Thrush. 

Eggs>  3  to  5 •  Size,  about  i .  1 2  x  .80 ;  greenish  blue,  darker  and  larger 
than  Wood  Thrush.  Bird,  breast  and  under  parts,  reddish  brown. 

Planesticus  migratorius. 
Robin. 


724     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Eggs,  2  to  6.  Size,  about  i.o8x.82.  The  eggs  of  this  and  the  next 
species  vary  in  color  and  size,  those  of  the  Yellow-billed  Cuckoo  being 
usually  pale  greenish  blue,  somewhat  lighter  in  color  than  eggs  of  the 
black-billed  species.  Bird,  tail  feathers  not  broadly  tipped  with 
white;  bill  mostly  black.  Coccyzus  erythrophthalmus. 

Black-billed  Cuckoo. 

Eggs,  2  to  5.  Size,  about  i.iSx.go.  Bird,  tail  feathers  broadly 
tipped  with  white;  under  mandible,  mostly  yellow. 

Coccyzus  americanus. 
Yellow-billed  Cuckoo. 

.PART  4.     EGGS   MORE   THAN    1.35    IN.    LONG. 

Eggs,  3  to  6.  Size,  about  1.50x1.15;  pale  greenish  blue.  Nest 
usually  near  water.  Butorides  virescens. 

Green  Heron. 

Eggs,  4  to  6.  Size,  about  2.00  x  1.46;  pale  greenish  blue.  Nest 
near  water.  Nycticorax  nycticorax  naevius. 

Black-crowned  Night  Heron. 

Eggs,  3  to  6.  Size,  about  2.55  to  2.70  x  1.55  to  1.65;  pale  blue 
or  greenish  blue.  Nest,  a  mass  of  sticks,  usually  in  trees  near  water. 

Ardea  herodias. 
Great  Blue  Heron. 


SECTION  2.     NEST  IN  HOLE  IN  TREE,  STUMP,  OR  POST. 

Eggs>  4  to  6-     Size.  about  .84  x  .65.     Eggs  sometimes  almost  'pure 
white,  usually  very  pale  blue  or  bluish  white.  Sialia  sialis. 

Bluebird. 


SECTION  3.     NEST  ABOUT  DWELLINGS  AND  BARNS. 

Eggs,  3  to  5.     Size,  about  1.12  x  .80;  color,  greenish  blue. 

Planesticus  migratorius. 
Robin. 


SECTION  4.     NEST  IN  OPEN   FIELDS,  ON  GROUND,  OR 
IN  BUNCH  OF  GRASS. 

Eggs,  4  to  5.     Size,  about  .80  x  .60;   color,  very  pale  blue. 

Spiza  americana. 
Dickcissel.    Black-throated  Bunting. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  725 


SECTION  5.     NEST   IN  SWAMPY  PLACES  IN  REEDS  OR 
GRASS,  ON  GROUND  OR  ON  FLOATING  VEGETATION. 

Eggs,  3  to  6.     Size,  about  1.20  x  .92.     Color,  very  pale  blue  or  blu- 
ish white.     Nest  in  reeds  or  small  bushes  in  swamp  or  pond. 

Ixobrychus  exilis. 
Least  Bittern. 

Eggs,    4    to    6.     Size,  about    2  x  1.46.     Color,  pale   greenish   blue. 
Size  will  distinguish  them  from  preceding  species. 

Nycticorax  nycticorax  navius. 
Black-crowned  Night  Heron. 


GROUP  3.    EGGS   NOT   WHITE  OR  BLUE 
(UNMARKED). 

SECTION  i.       NEST     ON     BRANCHES     OF     TREES     OR 
BUSHES. 

Eggs,  3  to  6.  Size,  about  i.i6x.82;  occasionally  pale  bluish  or 
brownish  without  marking,  but  usually  pale  bluish  or  greenish  marked 
and  scrawled  with  dark  brown  or  black. 

Quiscalus  quiscula  azneus. 

Bronzed  Grackle. 


SECTION  2.     NEST  IN  HOLE  IN  TREE,  STUMP  OR  POST. 

Eggs,  6  to  8.     Size,  about  .64  x  .49;    occasionally  pale  vinaceous  or 
pinkish  without  marking,  but  usually  thickly  speckled. 

Troglodytes  aedon  (or  parkmanii). 
House  Wren. 

Eggs,  3  to  6.     Size,  about  1.16  x  .82 ;  pale  bluish  or  greenish  marked 
and  scrawled  with  dark  brown  or  black. 

Quiscalus  quiscula  aneus. 
Bronzed  Grackle. 

Eggs,  8  to  14.      Size,  about  2.05  x  1.55;   pale  buff  or  brownish  white. 

Aix  sponsa. 
Wood  Duck. 


726     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


SECTION  3.     NEST   ABOUT    DWELLINGS   AND   BARNS. 

Eggs,  6  to  8.     Size,  about  .64  x  .49;    occasionally  pale  vinaceous  or 
pinkish  without  marking,  but  usually  thickly  speckled. 

Troglodytes  aedon  (or  parkmanii) . 
House  Wren. 


SECTION  4.     NEST  IN    OPEN   FIELDS,  ON   GROUND  OR 
IN  BUNCH  OF  GRASS. 

Eggs,  10  to  14.       Size,  about  1.70  x  1.26.      Color,  cream  buff  or  pale 
olive  buff.  Tympanuchus  americanus. 

Prairie  Hen. 

SECTION  5.      NEST    ON    GROUND    IN    WOODS   IN    DRY 
PLACES. 

Eggs,  8  to  14.     Size,  about  1.51  x  1.16.     Color,  pale  buff  or  buffy 
white.  Bonasa  umbellus. 

Ruffed  Grouse. 

SECTION  6.     NEST  IN  SWAMPY  PLACES,  IN  REEDS  OR 
GRASS,  ON  GROUND  OR  ON  FLOATING  VEGETATION. 

Eggs,  6  to  12.     Size,  about  1.85  x  1.32;   pale  buff  or  creamy  buff. 

Querquedula  discors. 
Blue-winged  Teal. 

Eggs,  3  to  5.     Size,  about  1.90  x  1.44;    grayish  olive  or  olive  drab. 

Botaurus  lentiginosus. 
American  Bittern. 


GROUP  4.    EGGS  SPOTTED  OR  MARKED  CHIEFLY 
AT  LARGER  END. 

SECTION  i.       NEST     IN     BRANCHES     OF    TREES     OR 

BUSHES. 
PART  i.     EGGS  LESS  THAN  .75  IN.  LONG. 

Eggs,  4  to  5.  Size,  about  .63  x  .50;  dull  white,  marked  with  light 
brown.  Bird,  sides  of  body  yellow,  outer  tail  feathers  pale  yellow, 
broadly  tipped  with  brown.  (Female.)  Setophaga  ruticilla. 

Redstart. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  727 


3  to  6.      Size,  about  .66x.48;  dull  white,  marked  with  light 
brown.     Bird,  general  plumage,  yellow.  Dendroica  cestiva. 

Yellow  Warbler. 

Eggs,  4  to  5.  Size,  about  .69  x  .50;  dull  white,  marked  with  dark 
slate  brown.  Bird,  above  bright  greenish  yellow;  underparts,  white, 
outer  tail  feathers  showing  much  white.  Dendroica  pensylvanica. 

Chestnut-sided  Warbler. 

Eggs,  3  to  5.  Size,  about  .70  x  .51  ;  pale  bluish  white,  marked  with 
rufous  brown.  Bird,  crown,  brown,  no  blackish  streak  through  eye. 

Spizella  pusilla. 
Field  Sparrow. 

Eggs,  4  to  5.  Size,  about  .  70x^0;  pale  blue,  sparingly  marked 
with  dark  brown  or  brownish  black.  Bird,  crown,  bright  rufous  brown, 
a  black  streak  through  the  eye.  Spizella  passerina. 

Chipping  Sparrow. 

Eggs,  3  to  4.  Size,  about  _7ox.54;  creamy  white,  marked  with 
dark  brown.  Bird,  upper  parts,  dark  olive;  under  parts,  dusky  white. 

Myiochanes  virens. 
Wood   Pewee   Flycatcher. 

Eggs,  2  to  3.  Size,  about  .  73x^4;  cream  white  or  buff  white, 
sparingly  marked  with  dark  brown.  Bird,  upper  parts,  olive;  throat, 
whitish;  belly,  yellow.  Empidonax  virescens. 

Green-crested  Flycatcher. 

Eggs,  3  or  4.  Size,  about  .75  x  .54;  pure  white,  sparsely  speckled 
or  marked  with  small  dots  of  dark  brown.  Bird,  upper  parts,  gray; 
under  parts,  whitish;  sides  tinged  with  pale  yellow.  Vireosylva  gilva. 

Warbling  Vireo. 

PART  2.     EGGS  .75  OR  MORE  IN.  LONG. 

Eggs,  2  to  3.  Size,  about  .75  x.55;  creamy  white  or  buff  white, 
sparingly  marked  with  dark  brown.  Bird,  upper  parts,  olive;  throat, 
whitish;  belly,  yellow.  Empidonax  virescens. 

Green-crested  Flycatcher. 

Eggs,  3  to  4.  Size,  about  .75  x  .55.;  pure  white,  sparsely  speckled 
or  marked  with  small  dots  of  dark  brown.  Bird,  upper  parts,  gray; 
under  parts,  whitish;  sides  tinged  with  pale  yellow.  Vireosylva  gilva. 

Warbling  Vireo. 

Eggs,  3  to  5.  Size,  about  .  Sox.  58;  bluish  white  or  dull  white, 
scrawled  and  marked  with  dark  brown  and  lilac-gray.  Bird,  entire 
under  parts,  yellow.  (Female.)  Icterus  spurius. 

Orchard  Oriole. 

Eggs,  3  to  5.  Size,  about  .80  x  .60;  white,  more  or  less  dotted  or 
scrawled  with  dark  brown  and  pale  gray  brown.  Bird,  crown,  chestnut, 
with  whitish  stripe  in  middle  ;  cheek,  chestnut  ;  black  stripe  on  sides  of 
throat;  throat  and  under  parts,  whitish.  Chondestes  grammacus. 

Lark  Sparrow.     Lark  Finch. 

Eggs,  3  to  4.  Size,  about  .80  x  .60;  white,  marked  sparsely  with 
dots  of  dark  brown.  Bird,  throat  and  breast,  yellow:  belly,  white; 
wings  showing  white  band.  Lanivireo  ftavifrons. 

Yellow-throated  Vireo. 


728     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Eggs,  3  to  4.  Size,  about  .81  x  .56;  white,  marked  sparsely  with 
dots  of  dark  brown.  Bird,  throat  and  under  parts,  mostly  white ;  crown, 
slaty;  back,  olive  green.  Vireosylva  olivacea. 

Red-eyed  Vireo. 

Eggs,  4  to  6.  Size,  about  .92  x  .61 ;  dull  white,  sparsely  scrawled 
and  marked  with  dark  brown  or  blackish.  Bird,  plumage  showing 
more  or  less  yellow.  Icterus  galbula. 

Baltimore  Oriole. 

Eggs,  3  to  5.  Size,  about  .95  x  .73  ;  'clear  white,  marked  with  dark 
brown  and  black.  Bird,  under  parts,  white;  upper  parts,  dark. 

Tyrannus  tyrannus. 
Kingbird. 

Eggs,  3  to  6.  Size,  about  1.16  x  .82;  pale  bluish  or  greenish,  marked 
and  scrawled  with  dark  brown  and  black.  Quiscalus  quiscula  ccneus. 

Bronzed  Grackle. 


SECTION  2.     NEST  IN  HOLE  IN  TREE,  STUMP  OR  POST. 

Eggs,  5  to  8.     Size,  about  .60  x  .48 ;  white,  marked  with  pale  brown. 

Penthestes  atricapillus. 
Chickadee. 

Eggs,  6  to  8.     Size,  about  .64  x  .49;    vinaceous,  speckled  with  pale 
brown.  Troglodytes  aedon  (or  parkmanii). 

House  Wren. 


SECTION  3.     NEST  ABOUT  DWELLINGS  AND  BARNS. 

Eggs,  6  to  8.     Size,  about  .64  x  .49;   vinaceous  or  pale  lilac-brown, 
speckled  all  over  with  pale  brown. 

Troglodytes  aedon  (or  parkmanii). 
House  Wren. 


SECTION  4.     NEST   IN    OPEN   FIELDS   ON  GROUND  OR 
IN  BUNCH  OF  GRASS. 

(Eggs  in  this  section  may  usually  be  distinguished  by  size.) 

Eggs,  3  to  5.  Size,  about  .yox.si;  pale  bluish  white,  marked  with 
rufous  brown.  Spizella  pusilla. 

Field  Sparrow. 

Eggs,  4  to  5.  Size,  about  .73X-56;  speckled  and  spotted  with  red- 
dish brown,  occasionally  showing  small  markings  of  black  and  dull 
lavender.  Coturniculus  savannarum  australis. 

Grasshopper  Sparrow.     Yellow-winged  Sparrow. 

Eggs,  4  to  5.  Size,  about  .78  x  60;  white  or  bluish  white,  thickly 
marked  with  rufous  brown.  Bird,  breast  striped  with  brown. 

Melospiza  melodia. 
Song  Sparrow. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  729 

Eggs,  3  to  5.     Size,  about  .80  x  .60;    white,  more  or  less  dotted  or 
scrawled  with  dark  brown  and  pale  i*ray  brown. 

Chondestes  grammacus. 
Lark  Sparrow.     Lark  Finch. 

Eggs,  4  to  6.     Size,  about  i.iox.yS;    white,  spotted  and  speckled 
with  rufous  brown  and  faint  lilac-gray.  Sturnella  magna. 

Meadowlark. 

Eggs,  4  to  5.     Size,  about  1.80  x  1.30;    buff,  spotted  and  speckled 

with  various  tints  of  brown.  Bartramia  longicauda. 

Bartramian  Sandpiper.     Upland  Plover. 


SECTION  5.      NEST   IN   WOODS    ON    GROUND   IN   DRY 
PLACES. 

Eggs,  4  to  5.  Size,  about  .80  x  .60;  white,  speckled  and  marked 
with  vinaceous  brown  or  pale  brown.  Seiurus  aurocapillus. 

Oven-bird . 

Eggs,  4  to  5.  Size,  about  .95  x  .71 ;  pale  vinaceous,  thickly  speckled 
and  tinged  all  over  with  pale  brown,  sometimes  blotched  at  the  larger 
end.  Pipilo  erythrophthalmus. 

Towhee. 

Eggs,  2.  Size,  about  1.15  x  .84;  white  or  creamy  white,  marked 
with  pale  brown  and  lilac-gray.  Antrostomus  vociferus. 

Whip-poor-will. 


SECTION  6.      NEST   IN  SWAMPY  PLACES  IN  REEDS  OR 
GRASS,  ON  GROUND  OR  ON  FLOATING  VEGETATION. 

PART  i.     EGGS  LESS  THAN  1.15  IN.  LONG. 

Eggs,  3  to  5.     Size,  about  .70  x  .52;  white,  marked  with  pale  brown. 

Geothlypis  trichas. 
Maryland  Yellow-throat. 

Eggs,  4  to  5.      Size,  about  .78  x  .60;   white  or  bluish  white,  thickly 
marked  with  rufous  brown.     Bird,  breast  striped  with  brown. 

Melospiza  melodia. 
Song  Sparrow. 

Eggs,  3  to  5.      Size,  about  i.oox.7o.      Eggs,  pale  blue  or  pale  green- 
ish blue,  blotched  and  scrawled  with  dark  brown  or  blackish.     ' 

Agelaius  phceniceus. 
Red-winged  Blackbird. 

PART  2.     EGGS  FROM  1.15  TO  1.35  IN.  LONG. 

Eggs.  3  to  5-     size.  about  1.25  x  .92;    creamy  buff  or  cream- white, 
-blotched  with  dark  brown  Actitis  macular-ia. 

Spotted  Sandpiper. 


73°     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

PART  3.  EGGS  MORE  THAN  1.35  IN.  LONG. 

Eggs,  3  to  4.  Size,  about  1.48  x  1.08;  pale  buff,  blotched  and 
scrawled  with  dark  brown.  The  slight  but  constant  difference  in 
color  and  size  will  distinguish  the  eggs  of  this  species  from  those  of  the 
Wilson's  Snipe.  Oxyechus  vociferus. 

Killdeer  Plover. 

Eggs,  3  to  4.  Size,  about  1.55  x  i.vi5;  olive  gray  or  brownish  ash, 
marked  with  chocolate  brown.  Gallinago  delicata. 

Wilson's  Snipe. 

Eggs,  4.  Size,  about  1.55x1.16;  buffy  or  pale  brown,  spotted  with 
rusty  brown  and  pale  purplish  gray.  Philohela  minor. 

Woodcock. 


SECTION  7.      NEST  ON  SANDY  SHORES  AND  BEACHES, 

Eggs,  3  to  4.  Size,  about  1.25  x  .94;  pale  buff  or  pale  olive  buff, 
marked  and  scrawled  with  dark  brown.  Nest,  eggs  deposited  in  depres- 
sion in  sand  on  beach  or  near  shore.  .•Egialitis  meloda. 

Piping  Plover. 

Eggs,  3  to  5;  Size,  about  1.25  x  .92;  creamy  buff  or  cream-white, 
blotched  with  dark  brown.  Actitis  macularia. 

Spotted  Sandpiper. 

Eggs,  3  to  4.  Size,  about  1.48  x  1.08;  pale  buff,  blotched  and 
scrawled  with  dark  brown.  Oxyechus  vociferus. 

Killdeer  Plover. 


GROUP  5.    EGGS  SPECKLED  ALL  OVER. 

SECTION  i.       NEST     IN     BRANCHES     OF     TREES     OR 
BUSHES. 


Eggs,  4  to  5.     Size,  about  .56  x  .54 ;  bluish  white,  dotted  with  brown. 

Polioptila  c&rulea. 
Blue-gray  Gnatcatcher. 

Eggs,  usually  i  or  2.     Size,  about  .87  x  .66.     Eggs  deposited  in  some 
other  bird's  nest.     Color,  white  or  pale  buff,  speckled  with  brown. 

Molothrus  ater. 
Cowbird. 

Eggs,  3  to  6.     Size,  about  1.07  x  .79;   ground  color,  grayish  or  pale 
bluish  white,  thickly  speckled  with  cinnamon -brown  or  rufous  brown. 

Toxostoma  rufum. 
Brown  Thrasher. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  731 


SECTION  2.       NEST    IN    HOLE    IN    TREE,    STUMP    OR 

POST. 

Eggs,  5  to  8.     Size,  about  .60  x  .48 ;  white,  speckled  with  pale  brown. 

Penthestes  atricapillus. 
Chickadee. 

Eggs,  6  to  8.     Size,  about  .64  x  .49;  vinaceous,  speckled  with  pale 
brown.  Troglodytes  aedon  (or  parkmanii}. 

House  Wren. 


SECTION  3.     NEST  ABOUT  DWELLINGS  AND  BARNS. 

Eggs,  6  to  8.  Size,  about  .64X.4Q;  vinaceous,  speckled  with  pale 
brown.  Troglodytes  aedon  (or  parkmanii}. 

House  Wren. 

Eggs,  2.  Size,  about  i.2ox.85;  pale  olive  buff  or  grayish  white, 
thickly  speckled  (usually  marked)  with  brown  and  washed  in  places 
with  pale  purplish  gray.  Location,  eggs  sometimes  deposited  on  roof 
of  house,  usually  in  a  field.  Chordeiles  virginianus. 

Nighthawk. 


SECTION  4.     NEST  IN  OPEN   FIELDS   ON    GROUND   OR 
IN  BUNCH  OF  GRASS. 

PART  i.     EGGS  LESS  THAN  i   IN.  LONG. 

Eggs,   3   to   5.     Size,  about  .85X.62;    pale  olive  or  dull  whitish, 
thickly  speckled  and  marked  with  pale  brownish  olive. 

Otocoris  alpestris  praticola. 
Prairie  Homed  Lark. 

Eggs,  usually  i  or  2.  Size,  about  .87  x  .66;  deposited  in  some  other 
bird's  nest.  Color,  white  or  pale  buff,  speckled  with  brown. 

Molothrus  ater. 
Cpwbird. 

PART  2.     EGGS  FROM  i  TO  1.50  IN.  LONG. 

Eggs,  2.  Size,  about  I.I9X.86;  pale  olive  buff  or  grayish  white, 
thickly  dotted  and  speckled  with  brown,  and  washed  in  places  with  pale 
purplish  gray.  Location,  eggs  deposited  on  a  rock  or  on  the  ground, 
-sometimes  on  flat  roofs  of  houses.  Chordeiles  virginianus. 

Nighthawk. 


732     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

PART  3.     EGGS  MORE  THAN   1.50  IN.  LONG. 

Eggs,   10  to  14.     Size,  about  1.70  x  1.26;  cream  buff  or  pale  olive 
buff,  sometimes  speckled  with  brown.  Tympamtchus  americanus. 

Prairie  Hen. 


SECTION  5.     NEST   ON    GROUND   IN   W.OODS    IN    DRY 

PLACES. 

Eggs,  usually  i  or  2.     Size  about  .87  x  .66.     Eggs  are  deposited  in 
some  other  bird's  nest.     Color,  white  or  pale  buff,  speckled  with  brown. 

Molothrus  ater. 
Cowbird. 

Eggs,  4  to  5.     Size,  about  .95  x  .7 1 ;  pale  vinaceous,  thickly  speckled 
with  pale  brown.  Pipilo  erythrophthalmus. 

Towhee. 


SECTION  6.     NEST  IN  SWAMPY  PLACES,   IN  REEDS  OR 
GRASS,  ON  THE  GROUND  OR  ON  FLOATING 
VEGETATION. 

PART  i.     EGGS  LESS  THAN  1.50  IN.  LONG. 

Eggs,  5  to  9.  Size,  about  .66x.48;  thickly  speckled  with  cinnamon 
or  olive  brown.  Nest,  globular;  entrance  in  side;  attached  to  reeds 
(sometimes  small  bushes).  Telmatodytes  palustris. 

Long-billed  Marsh  Wren. 

Eggs,  usually  i  or  2.  Size  about  .87  x  .66.  Eggs  are  deposited  in 
some  other  bird's  nest.  Color,  white  or  pale  buff,  speckled  with 
brown.  Molothrus  ater. 

Cowbird. 

Eggs,  4  to  6.  Size,  about  i.oox.yi;  grayish  or  grayish  white, 
speckled  with  pale  cinnamon-brown.  Nest,  a  mass  of  grass  and  reeds. 

Xanthocephalus  xanthocephalus. 
Yellow-headed  Blackbird. 

PART  2.     EGGS  MORE  THAN  1.50  IN.  LONG. 

Eggs,  8  to  13.  Size,  about  1.78x1.20;  pale  buff,  with  irregular 
marks  of  rufous  brown  or  clear  brown.  Gallinula  galeata. 

Florida  Gallinule. 

Eggs.  7  to  J4-  Size,  about  1.88x1.28;  pale  buffy  white,  finely 
speckled  and  dotted  with  black.  Fulica  americana. 

American  Coot. 


11 

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734     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 


GROUP    6.       EGGS    MARKED    ALL    OVER     WITH 
IRREGULAR    BLOTCHES,  SPOTS  OR  STREAKS. 

SECTION    i.        NEST    ON     BRANCHES    OF    TREES    OR 
BUSHES.1 

PART  i.     EGGS  LESS  THAN  .85  IN.  LONG. 

Eggs,  4  to  5.  Size,  about  .56  x  .45 ;  bluish  white  or  dull  white, 
marked  and  speckled  with  brown.  Bird,  very  small;  general  color, 
bluish  gray.  Polioptila  c&rulea. 

Blue-gray  Gnatcatcher. 

Eggs,  4  to  5.  Size,  about  .78x.6o;  bluish  white  or  dull  white, 
irregularly  marked  with  brown.  Nest  in  low  bushes  or  on  ground.  Bird, 
under  parts,  white;  breast  streaked  with  brown.  Melospiza  melodia. 

Song  Sparrow. 

Eggs,  3  to  5.  Size,  about  . Sox. 58;  bluish  white  or  dull  white, 
scrawled  and  marked  with  dark  brown  and  lilac-gray.  Nest,  attached 
to  branch,  rarely  less  than  10  or  15  feet  from  ground.  Bird,  entire 
under  parts,  yellow.  (Female.)  Icterus  spurius. 

Orchard  Oriole. 

Eggs,  3  to  5.  Size,  about  .80  x  .60;  white  or  pinkish  white,  more  or 
less  dotted  and  scrawled  with  dark  brown  and  pale  gray  brown.  Bird, 
under  parts,  whitish;  black  stripe  on  side  of  throat;  cheek  showing 
patch  of  chestnut.  Chondestes  grammacus. 

Lark  Sparrow. 

PART  2.     EGGS  FROM  .85  TO  .95  IN.  LONG. 

Eggs,  3  to  5.  Size,  about  .87  x  .62 ;  pale  bluish  gray,  with  scattered 
markings  of  black  or  dark  brown.  Bird,  head  with  crest;  general  color, 
soft  grayish  brown ;  belly,  yellow;  tip  of  tail,  yellow.  (Female.) 

Bombycilla  cedrorum. 
Cedar  Waxwing.     Cedar  Bird. 

Eggs,  usually  i  or  2.  Size  about  .87  x  .66;  deposited  in  some  other 
bird's  nest.  Color,  white  or  pale  buff,  irregularly  and  thickly 
marked  with  brown.  Molothrus  ater. 

Cowbird. 

Eggs,  3  to  5.  Size,  about  -90X.67;  white,  spotted  and  finely 
marked  with  pale  brown  or  lilac-brown.  Bird,  throat  and  breast, 
bright  yellow.  Icteria  virens. 

Yellow-breasted  Chat. 

Eggs,  4  to  6.  Size,  about  .92  x  .61;  dull  white,  sparsely  scrawled 
and  marked  with  dark  brown  or  blackish.  Nest,  pendulous,  hanging 
below  the  branch.  Bird,  under  parts,  orange  yellow.  (Female.) 

Icterus  galbula. 
Baltimore  Oriole. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  735 

Eggs,  3  to  5.  Size,  about  .98  x  .67;  pale  blue,  marked  with  rufous 
brown  or  olive  brown.  Bird,  above,  brownish;  under  parts,  dull  white, 
with  narrow  streaks  of  brown.  (Female.)  Zamelodia  ludoviciana. 

Rose-breasted  Grosbeak. 

PART  3.     EGGS  BETWEEN  .95  AND  1.05  IN.  LONG. 

Eggs,  4  to  6.  Size,  about  .95  x  .62;  dull  white,  sparsely  scrawled 
and  marked  with  dark  brown  or  blackish.  Nest,  pendulous,  hanging 
below  the  branch.  Bird,  under  parts,  orange  yellow.  (Female.) 

Icterus  galbula. 
Baltimore  Oriole. 

Eggs,  3  to  5.  Size,  about  .95  x  .73;  clear  white,  marked  with  dark 
brown  or  blackish.  Tyrannus  tyrannus. 

Kingbird. 

Eggs,  3  to  5.  Size,  about  .98  x  .73  ;  dull  white  or  ashy  white,  marked 
with  olive  brown.  Lanius  ludovicianus . 

Loggerhead  Shrike. 

PART  4.     EGGS  FROM  1.05  TO  1.30  IN.  LONG. 

Eggs,  3  to  6.  Size,  about  i.io  x  .82;  pale  olive  green  or  pale  olive 
buff,  marked  and  speckled  with  brown.  Cyanocitta  cristata. 

Blue  Jay. 

Eggs,  3  to  6.  Size,  about  1. 16  x  .82  ;  pale  bluish  or  greenish,  marked 
and  scrawled  with  dark  brown  and  black.  Quiscalus  quiscula  oeneus. 

Bronzed  Grackle. 

PART  5.     EGGS  FROM  1.30  TO  2  IN.  LONG. 

Eggs,  3  to  5.  Size,  about  I.SQX  1.20;  dull  white  or  buff y  white, 
blotched  with  brown.  Accipiter  velox. 

Sharp-shinned  Hawk. 

Eggs,  4  to  6.  Size,  about  1.66  x  1.18;  generally  pale  green  (some- 
times bluish),  marked  with  olive  brown.  Coruus  brachyrhynchos. 

American  Crow. 

Eggs,  3  to  6.  Size,  about  1.92x1,53;  pale  bluish  white  or  dull 
white,  showing  faint  marking  of  pale  brown.  Accipiter  cooperii. 

Cooper's  Hawk. 

Eggs,  2  to  4.  Size,  about  1.95x1.56;  dull  white,  spotted  and 
blotched  with  olive  brown  or  cinnamon-brown.  Buteo  platypterus. 

Broad-winged  Hawk. 

PART  6.  EGGS  MORE  THAN  2  IN.  LONG. 

Eggs,  2  to  4.  Size,  about  2.05x1.56;  dull  white,  spotted  and 
blotched  with  olive  brown  or  cinnamon-brown.  Buteo  platypterus. 

Broad-winged  Hawk. 

Eggs,  3  to  6.  Size,  about  2.15  x  1.70;  dull  white,  marked  and 
blotched  with  brown.  Bird,  tail  showing  white  bars.  Buteo  lineatus. 

Red-shouldered  Hawk. 


736     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Eggs,  2  to  4.  Size,  about  2.40  x  1.82;  dull  white,  scantily  marked 
with  olive  brown  or  cinnamon-brown.  Bird,  tail,  rufous  brown,  no 
white  bars.  Buteo  borealis. 

Red-tailed  Hawk. 

SECTION  2.     NEST  IN  HOLE  IN  TREE,  STUMP  OR  POST. 

PART     i.     EGGS  LESS  THAN..I  IN.  LONG. 

Eggs,  5  to  8.  Size,  about  .73  x  .56;  white,  marked  with  pale  rufous 
brown  or  lavender  brown.  Sitta  carolinensis. 

White-breasted  Nuthatch. 

Eggs,  3  to  6.  Size,  about  .90  x  .69 ;  pale  cream-brown  or  buff  white, 
marked  and  streaked  longitudinally  with  chocolate  brown. 

Myiarchus  crinitus. 
Crested  Flycatcher. 

PART  2.     EGGS  MORE  THAN  i  IN.  LONG. 

Eggs,  3  to  6.  Size,  about  1.16  x  .82 ;  pale  bluish  or  greenish,  marked 
and  scrawled  with  dark  brown  and  black.  Quiscalus  quiscula  aneus. 

Bronzed  Grackle. 

Eggs,  3  to  7.  Size,  about  1.38  x  1.14;  pale  tawny  brown  or  brown- 
ish white,  marked  and  speckled  with  various  shades  of  brown. 

Falco  sparverius. 
Sparrow  Hawk. 

SECTION  3.     NEST  ABOUT  DWELLINGS  AND  BARNS. 

PART  i.     EGGS  LESS  THAN  i  IN.  LONG. 

Eggs,  4  to  6.  Size,  about  .77  x  .54 ;  white,  marked  with  cinnamon  or 
olive  brown.  The  slight  difference  in  size  will  usually  distinguish  these 
eggs  from  those  of  next  species.  Bird,  tail  forked;  belly,  rufous  brown. 

Hirundo  erythrogastra. 
Barn  Swallow. 

Eggs,  4  to  5.  Size,  about  .81  x  .55;  white,  marked  with  cinnamon 
or  rufous  brown;  usually  more  pronounced  than  in  preceding  species. 
Bird,  tail  not  forked;  belly,  white/  Petrochelidon  lunifrons. 

Cliff  Swallow. 

PART  2.     EGGS  MORE  THAN  i  IN.  LONG. 

Eggs>  3  to  5-  Size,  about  i.i2X.8o;  usually  bluish  green  (un- 
marked), rarely  with  irregular  spots  of  reddish  brown. 

Plane sticus  migrator ius. 
Robin. 

Eggs,  2.  Size,  about  i.aox.85;  pale  olive  buff  or  grayish  white, 
thickly  marked  and  speckled  with  brown  and  washed  in  places  with 
purplish  gray.  Eggs  sometimes  deposited  on  roof  of  house,  usually  in 
fields.  Chordeiles  virginianus. 

Nighthawk. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  737 


SECTION  4.     NEST  IN  OPEN   FIELDS   ON   GROUND   OR 
IN  BUNCH  OF  GRASS. 

Eggs,  4  to  5.  Size,  about  .73  x  .56;  white,  speckled  and  spotted 
with  reddish  brown,  occasionally  showing  small  markings  of  black  and 
dull  lavender.  Bird,  no  stripes  on  throat  or  breast;  belly,  white. 

Coturniculus  savannarum  australis. 
Grasshopper  Sparrow.     Yellow-winged  Sparrow. 

Eggs,  4  to  5.  Size,  about  .77  x_56;  dull  white  or  bluish  white, 
thickly  marked  (somtimes  washed)  with  cinnamon -brown  or  dull 
rufous  brown,  nearly  obscuring  the  ground  color.  Bird,  breast  striped, 
a  tinge  of  yellow  over  the  eye.  Passerculus  sandwichensis  savanna. 

Savanna  Sparrow. 

Eggs,  4  to  5.  Size,  about  .78  x  .60';  white  or  bluish  white,  irregu- 
larly marked  with  rufous  brown.  Bird,  breast  heavily  streaked  with 
dark  brown.  Melospiza  melodia. 

Song  Sparrow. 

Eggs,  4  to  6.  Size,  about  .82  x  .61 ;  white  or  pinkish  white,  marked 
and  scrawled  with  black  and  pale  purplish  brown. 

Pocecetes  gramineus. 
Vesper  Sparrow.     Bay-winged  Bunting. 

Eggs,  4  to  7.  Size,  about  .84  x  .62;  grayish  white  or  dull  white, 
with  a  few  large  blotches  of  vandyke  brown  and  scattered  dots  of  black 
and  dull  brown.  Dolichonyx  oryzivorus. 

Bobolink. 

Eggs,  usually  i  or  2.  Size,  about  .87X.66;  deposited  in  some 
other  bird's  nest.  Color,  white  or  pale  buff,  marked  all  over  with 
irregular  spots  of  brown.  Molothrus  ater. 

Cowbird. 

Eggs,  4  to  6.  Size,  about  1.12  x  .80;  white,  sparsely  marked  and 
speckled  with  brown  and  lilac-gray.  The  siz^  will  distinguish  eggs  of 
this  species  from  others  in  this  section.  Sturnella  magna  (or  races). 

Meadowlark. 

Eggs,  2.  Size,  about  i.2ox.8s;  pale  olive  buff  or  grayish  white, 
thickly  marked  and  speckled  with  brown  and  washed  in  places  with 
purplish  gray.  Eggs  deposited  on  ground  or  on  a  rock. 

Chordeiles  virginianus. 
Nighthawk. 

SECTION  5.     NEST   ON   GROUND    IN    WOODS    IN  -DRY 
PLACES. 

PART    i.     EGGS  LESS  THAN   i   IN.  LONG. 

Eggs,  4  to  5.     Size,  about  .80  x  .62 ;    white,  speckled  and  spotted 

with  cinnamon -brown,  rufous  brown,  or  lilac-gray  markings.      Nest, 

of  good  size,  made  of  leaves  and  grasses,  usually  covered  over,  with 

-  entrance  on  side.  Seiurus  aurocapillus. 

Oven-bird. 


738     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

Eggs,  usually  i  or  2.  Size  about  .87  x  .66;  deposited  in  some  other 
bird's  nest.  Color,  white  or  pale  buff,  thickly  marked  all  over  with 
irregular  spots  of  brown.  Molothrus  ater. 

Cowbird. 

PART  2.     EGGS  MORE  THAN  i   IN.     LONG. 

Eggs,  2.  Size,  about  i.i6x.84;  dull  white,  with  a  few  lilac-gray 
markings  and  spots  of  dull  brown.  Nest,  eggs  deposited  on  ground 
or  a  few  leaves.  Antrostomus  vociferus. 

Whip-poor-will. 

Eggs,  4.  Size,  about  1.53x1.15;  pale  buff,  marked  and  spotted 
with  light  brown  and  rufous  brown.  Nest,  eggs  deposited  on  leaves  on 
ground.  Philohela  minor. 

Woodcock. 


SECTION  6.     NEST  IN  SWAMPY  PLACES  IN  REEDS  OR 
GRASS,   ON  GROUND  OR  ON  FLOATING 
VEGETATION. 

PART  i.     EGGS  LESS  THAN  i   IN.  LONG. 

Eggs,  6  to  8.  Size,  about  .66  x  .47  ;  usually  pure  white,  rarely  with 
few  pale  gray  or  lavender-spots.  Nest,  globe-shaped,  with  entrance  on 
side.  Cistothorus  stellaris. 

Short-billed  Marsh  Wren. 

Eggs,  4  to  5.  Size,  about  .76  x  .56  ;  whitish  or  bluish  white,  irregu- 
larly speckled  and  marked  with  rufous  brown,  similar  but  usually  more 
thickly  marked  than  next  species.  Bird,  breast  not  streaked  with 
brown.  Melospiza  georgiana. 

Swamp  Sparrow. 

Eggs,  4  to  5.  Size,  about  .78  x  .59 ;  white  or  bluish  white,  irregularly 
speckled  and  marked  with  rufous  brown.  Bird,  breast  heavily  streaked 
with  brown.  Melospiza  melodia. 

Song  Sparrow. 

Eggs,  usually  i  or  2.  Size,  about  .87  x  .66;  deposited  in  some  other 
bird's  nest.  Color,  white  or  pale  buff,  irregularly  marked  with  brown. 

Molothrus  ater. 
Cowbird. 

PART  2.     EGGS  FROM  i  TO  1.50  IN.  LONG. 

Eggs,  8  to  14.  Size,  about  1.24  x  .90;  buff  or  pale  brownish  buff, 
sparsely  marked  with  brown  and  purplish  gray.  Porzana  Carolina. 

Sora  Rail.     Carolina  Rail. 

Eggs,  6  to  12.  Size,  about  I.25X.95;  pale  buff y  white,  sparingly 
spotted  and  speckled  with  rufous  brown  and  purplish  gray. 

Rallus  virginianus. 
Virginia  Rail. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  739 

Eggs,  2  to  3.  Size,  about  1.35  x  .98 ;  brownish  olive,  heavily  marked 
with  dark  brown.  Hydrochelidon  nigra  surinamensis . 

Black  Tern. 

Eggs,  4.  Size,  about  1.50  x  1.15;  pale  buff,  marked  and  spotted 
with  light  brown  and  rufous  brown.  Nest,  eggs  deposited  on  leaves 
on  ground.  Philohela  minor. 

Woodcock. 

PART  3.     EGGS  MORE  THAN  1.50  IN.  LONG. 

Eggs,  4.  Size,  about  1.52  x  1.15;  pale  buff,  marked  and  spotted 
with  light  brown  and  rufous  brown.  Nest,  eggs  deposited  on  leaves 
on  ground.  Philohela  minor. 

American  Woodcock. 

Eggs,  7  to  12.  Size,  about  1.63x1.20;  buffy  white  (rarely  dull 
white),  with  scattered  spots  of  rufous  brown  and  occasional  ones  of 
pale  lilac-brown.  Nest,  a  platform  of  grass  and  weeds. 

Rallus  elegans. 
King  Rail. 

Eggs,  3.  Size,  about  1.78  x  1.20;  variable;  olive  gray  or  pale  buff, 
irregularly  marked  with  dark  brown.  Nest,  a  mass  of  weeds. 

Sterna  forsteri. 
Foster's  Tern. 

Eggs,  2.  Size,  about  3.50  x  2.20;  olive  or  olive  brown,  with  scat- 
tered marks  and  spots  of  brownish  black.  Gavia  immer. 

Loon. 


BIBLIOGRAPHY. 


A   LIST   OF   THE    PRINCIPAL    WORKS    AND    PAPERS    ON 
THE    BIRDS   OF   ILLINOIS   AND    WISCONSIN. 

1853 
HOY,  P.  R.     Notes  on  the  Ornithology  of   Wisconsin.      Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci. 

Phil.,  Vol.  VI,  1852-53,  pp.  304-313. 
HOY,  P.  R.     Notes  on  the  Ornithology  of  Wisconsin,  corrected  and  reprinted 

from  the  Proceedings  of  the  Academy  of  Natural  Sciences  of  Philadelphia. 

Trans.  Wis.  State  Agri.  Soc.,  Vol.  II,  1852  (1853),  pp.  341-364. 
LEBARON,  DR.  WM.     Observations  upon  s.ome  of  the  Birds  of  Illinois  most 

interesting  to  the  Agriculturist.     Trans.  111.  State  Agri.  Soc.,  Vol.  I,  1853, 

PP-  559-565- 

1854 
BARRY,  REV.  A.     Ornithological  Fauna  of  Wisconsin.     Proc.  Bost.  Soc.  Xat. 

Hist.,  Jan.,  1854. 

1855 
KENNICOTT,  R.     Catalogue  of  the  Animals  observed  in  Cook  County,  Illinois. 

(Birds)  Trans.  111.  State  Agri.  Soc.,  Vol.  I,  1853-54  (1855),  pp.  580-589. 
KENNICOTT,  R.     Species  observed  in  the  middle  and  southern  Portions  of  the 

State,  which  are  not  given  in  Mr.  Pratten's  Catalogue  of  the  Birds  of 

southern  Illinois.     Trans.   111.   State  Agri.    Soc.,  Vol.  I,  1853-54    (1855), 

PP- 589-591- 

PRATTEN,  H.  Catalogue  of  the  Birds  of  (southern)  Illinois  (Wayne  and  Ed- 
wards Counties).  Trans.  111.  State  Agri.  Soc.,  Vol.  I,  1853-54  (1855),  pp. 
598-609. 

1856 

KENNICOTT,  R.  Notes  of  the  Occurrence  of  Plotus  anhinga  and  Tantalus 
loculator  in  southern  Illinois.  Proc.  Bost.  Soc.  Nat.  Hist.,  1856,  p.  391. 

1857 

BRENDEL,  F.  Vogel  der  Umgegend  Peorias  in  Illinois.  Giebel's  Zeitsch.  fur 
Naturw.,  1857,  p.  420. 

1858 

CASSIN,  J.  Remarks  on  Falco  polyagrus.  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Phil.,  1853, 
p.  i. 

1859-60 

HOLDER,  R.  H.  Birds,  of  Illinois.  Trans.  111.  State.  Agri.  Soc.,  Vol.  IV. 
1859-60,  pp.  605-613. 

740 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  741 

1862 

HOLDER,  R.  H.  Catalogue  of  the  Birds  of  Illinois  (ad  ed.)-  Trans.  111.  Nat. 
Hist.  Soc.,  Vol.  I,  1862,  p.  77. 

1865 

CLIFFORD,  E.  A.  Birds  injurious  and  beneficial  to  the  Horticulturist.  Trans. 
111.  State  Agri.  Soc.,  1861-64  (1865),  pp.  925-927. 

1868 
ALLEN,  J.   A.     Some  Remarks  upon  the  Birds  of  Iowa  and  Illinois.   '  Proc. 

Bost.  Soc.  Nat.  Hist.,  Vol.  XII,  1868,  p.  85. 
ALLEN,  J.  A.      Notes  on  Birds  observed  in  northern  Illinois  in  June,  1867. 

Mem.  Bost.  Soc.  Nat.  Hist.,  Vol.  I,  1868,  pp.  502-522.     94  species. 

1870 

BRENDEL,  F.  The  Fauna  of  Peoria.  Forming  chap.  XXXIX,  pp.  217—223, 
of  "The  History  of  Peoria,  Illinois,"  by  Chas.  Ballance,  1870. 

1871 
ALLEN,  J.  A.     The  Fauna  of  the  Prairies.     Amer.  Nat.,  Vol.  V,  1871,  pp.  4-9. 

1872 

RIDGWAY,  R.  New  Birds  in  southern  Illinois.  Amer.  Nat.,  Vol.  VI,  July, 
1872,  pp.  430,  431. 

1873 

RIDGWAY,  R.  The  Prairie  Birds  of  southern  Illinois.  Amer.  Nat.,  Vol.  VII, 
April,  1873,  pp.  197-203. 

1874 

RIDGWAY,  R.  Catalogue  of  the  Birds  ascertained  to  occur  in  Illinois.  Ann. 
Lye.  Nat.  Hist.  N.  Y.,  Vol.  X,  Jan.,  1874,  pp.  364-394. 

RIDGWAY,  R.  The  Lower  Wabash  Valley  considered  in  its  relation  to  the 
Faunal  Districts  of  the  eastern  Region  of  North  America,  with  a  Synopsis 
of  its  Avian  Fauna.  Proc.  Bost.  Soc.  Nat.  Hist.,  Vol.  XVI,  Feb.  18,  1874, 
pp.  304-332. 

COUES,  E.  Birds  of  Illinois.  Field  &  Stream  (Chicago),  May  2,  1874.  (A 
review  of  Ridgway's  "Catalogue  of  the  Birds  ascertained  to  dccur  in 
Illinois,"  in  Ann.  Lye.  (Nat.  Hist.)  N.  Y.,  Jan.,  1874,  pp.  364-394). 

EDITOR'S  NOTE.  Wild  Pigeon  very  abundant  in  Michigan,  Indiana  and  Wis- 
consin in  Beech  Woods,  Sept.  15,  1874.  Forest  &  Stream,  Vol.  Ill,  1874, 
p.  107. 

1875     • 

ALLEN,  J.  A.  Notes  on  the  Sharp-tailed  Finch.  Proc.  Bost.  Soc.  Nat.  Hist., 
Vol.  XVII,  March,  1875,  pp.  292-294. 

1876 

JONES,  WM.  L.  April  Birds  in  Illinois.  Forest  and  Stream  Aug.  3,  1876, 
p.  418. 


742     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

NELSON,  E.  W.     Additions  to  the  Avi-fauna  of  Illinois,  with  Notes  on  other 

Species  of  Illinois  Birds.     Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  I,  No.  2,  July,  1876, 

pp.  39-44- 
NELSON,  E.  W.    Notes  upon  Birds  observed  in  southern  Illinois  between  July 

17  and  September  4,  1875.     Bul1-  Essex  Inst.,  Vol.  IX,  1875,  pp.  32-65. 
NELSON,  E.  W.     Birds  of  Northeastern  Illinois.     Bull.  Essex  Inst.,  Vol.  VIII, 

Dec.,  1876  (April,  1877),  pp.  90-155. 
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1876,  p.  301. 

EATON,  D.  H.     Egg  collecting  in  Illinois.     Forest  and  Stream,  Vol.  VI,  June 

29,  1876,  p.  337. 

1877 
"W.  B."  (BREWSTER,  WILLIAM).     Nelson's  "Birds  of  Northeastern  Illinois." 

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Nelson's  paper  in  Bull.  Essex  Inst.,  1876.) 
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1877,  p.  82.     (Near  Chicago,  Oct.  14,  1875;    one  specimen.) 

COALE,  H.  K.  MacCown's  Longspur  in  Illinois.  Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  II, 
April,  1877,  p.  52. 

COALE,  H.  K.  Notes  on  Nyctale  acadica.  Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  II, 
July,  1877,  pp.  83-84. 

COUES,  E.  Eastward  range  of  the  Ferruginous  Buzzard  (Archibuteo  ferrugin- 
eus}.  Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  II,  1877,  p.  26. 

JONES,  W.  L.  Arrivals  of  Birds  (at  Lebanon,  Illinois).  Field  and  Forest, 
Vol.  Ill,  No.  i,  July,  1877,  pp.  17-18. 

NELSON,  E.  W.  A  Contribution  to  the  Biography  of  Wilson's  Phalarope. 
Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  II,  April,  1877,  pp.  38-43. 

NELSON,  E.  W.  Notes  upon  Birds  observed  in  southern  Illinois  between  July 
17,  and  Sept.  4,  1875.  Bull.  Essex  Inst.,  Vol.  IX,  1877,  PP-  32~65- 

ROBERTS,  T.  S.  Notes  on  the  Breeding  of  the  Black  Tern  (Hydrochelidon 
lartformis)  in  Minnesota.  Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  II,  1877,  p.  34.  (Con- 
tains some  notes  on  the  breeding  habits  in  Illinois  by  E.  W.  Nelson.) 

1878 
BREWSTER,    WM.      The    Prothonotary    Warbler    (Protonotaria   citrea).     Bull. 

Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  Ill,  1878,  pp.  153-162. 
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the  Spring  of  1878.     Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  Ill,  No.  4,  Oct.,  1878, 

pp    162-166. 

1879 
GIBBS,  DR.  M.     Annotated    List   of   Birds,  Michigan.     Bull.  U.  S.  Geogr.  & 

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Texas.     Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  October,  1879,  pp.  218-222. 

1880 

ALLEN,  J.  A.  Eastward  Range  of  the  Western  Meadow  Lark.  Bull.  Nutt. 
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1880,  p.  51. 
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PP-  30-32- 
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1881 
FORBES,  S.  A.     The  Snowbird  (Junco  hyemalis)  in  southern  Illinois  in  June. 

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1880-85 

NEHRLING,  H.  Beitrage  zur  Ornis  des  nordlichen  Illinois.  Jour,  fur  Orn., 
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1882 
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1883 
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observed  in  southeastern  Illinois.     Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  VIII,  Jan., 

1883,  p.  58. 
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1884 

COOKE,  W.  W.     Migration  in  the  Mississippi  Valley.     Ornithologist  and  Oolo- 
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P-  43- 

HENSHAW,  H.  W.  The  Shore  Larks  of  the  United  States  and  adjacent  Ter- 
ritory. The  Auk,  Vol.  I,  1884,  pp.  254-268.  (Description  of  O.  alpestris 
praticola  var.  nov.  from  Richland  Co.,  Illinois,  on  page  264.) 

1885 

COALE,  H.  K.  A  new  Bird  for  Illinois.  The  Auk,  Vol.  II,  Jan.,  1885,  pp.  109, 
no. 

COOKE,  W.  W.  Bird  Migration  in  the  Mississippi  Valley.  Winter  birds  of 
southern  Illinois.  Forest  and  Stream,  Vol.  XXIII,  No.  23,  Jan.  i,  1885, 
pp.  444,  445;  No.  24,  Jan.  8,  1885,  pp.  463,  464. 

DICKINSON,  J.  E.  Note  announcing  Capture  of  a  Specimen  of  Nyctala  teng- 
malm-i  richardsoni  at  Rockford,  Winnebago  Co.,  Illinois,  Oct.  15,  1884. 
Ornithologist  and  Oologist,  March,  1885,  p.  47.  (Snowy  Owls  and  North- 
ern Waxwings  also  mentioned.) 

"KINNEY."  Notes  from  northern  Illinois.  Young  Oologist,  Vol.  II,  No.  2, 
June,  1885,  p.  27. 

KLINE,  H.  A.  Ruby-throated  Hummingbirds.  Ornithologist  and  Oologist, 
Vol.  IX,  1884,  p.  119. 

SHARPS,  R.  B.  Catalogue  of  the  Passeriformes  or  Perching  Birds  in  the  Col- 
lection of  the  British  Museum,  etc.  Vol.  X,  London,  1885,  P-  3°S-  (Lists 
a  skin  of  an  adult  female  bird,  Geothlypis  macgillivrayi,  from  Chicago, 
collected  by  Henry  K.  Coale.) 

1886 

BEAL,  F.  E.  L.  Some  Notes  on  Bird  Migration.  Amer.  Nat.,  Vol.  XX,  Sept., 
1886,  p.  817. 

1887 
COALE,  H.   K.     Ornithological  Curiosities.     A  Hawk  with  nine  Toes  and  a 

Bobolink  with  Spurs  on  its  Wings.     The  Auk,  Vol.  IV,  1887,  p.  331. 
RIDGWAY,  R.     List  of  Birds  found  breeding  within  the  corporate  Limits  of 

Mt.    Carmel,    Illinois.      Ridgway    Ornithological    Club,    Bulletin    No.    2, 

April,  1887,  pp.  26-35. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — CORY.  745 

1888 
COOKE,  W.  W.     Bird  Migration  of  the  Mississippi  Valley  in  the  Years  1884-85. 

Bull.  No.  2,  U.  S.  Dept.  of  Agri.,  Div.  of  Econom.  Orn.,  1888,  p.  314. 
DEANE,  R.     Destruction  in  Migration.     Forest  and  Stream,  Vol.  XXI,  Dec., 

1888,  p.  385. 
HANCOCK,  J.  L.     The  northern  Range  of  Oporornis  Jormosa  in  111.     The  Auk., 

Vol.  V,  1888,  p.  210. 
HANCOCK,  J.   L.     Impeded  Migration  and  Destruction  of  Birds  at  Chicago. 

The  Auk,  Vol.  V,  1888,  pp.  432-434. 

1889 
BREWSTER,  WM.     The  present  Status  of  the  Wild  Pigeon  (Ectopistes  migra- 

torius)  as  a  Bird  of  the  United  States,  with  some  Notes  on  its   Habits. 

The  Auk,  Vol.  V,  1889,  p.  285-291.     (Refers  to  the  species  in  Wis.) 
GAULT,  B.  T.     Lapland  Longspur  at  Chicago  in  June.     The  Auk,  Vol  V,  1889, 

p.  278. 
HOUGH,  E.     Prairie  Chickens  in  Morgan  Park.     Chicago  and  the  West,  Vol. 

XXXIII,  Aug.  22,  1889,  p.  86. 
KIMBALL,  F.  H.     Mortality  among  Eave  Swallows.     The  Auk,  Vol.  VI,  1889, 

PP-  338-339- 
RIDGWAY,  R.     The  Ornithology  of  Illinois.     Nat.  Hist.  Surv.  111.,  State  Labr. 

Nat.  Hist.,  Vol.  I,  1889. 
STRODE,  W.  S.     The  Food  of  the  Owls.     Amer.  Nat.,  Vol.  XXIII,  1889,  pp. 

17-24. 

1890 
GARMAN,  H.     A  preliminary  Report  of  the  Animals  of  the  Mississippi  Bottoms 

near  Quincy,   Illinois.     Trans.  Wis.   Acad.    Sci.,  Vol.   Ill,  Part   I,    1890 

(1896),  p.  131. 
"KORAX."     Yellow  Rail  in  Chicago.     Forest  and  Stream,  Vol.  XXXV,  Dec., 

1890,  p.  431. 
POLING,  O.  C.     Notes  on  the  Fringillidae  of  Western  Illinois.     The  Auk,  Vol. 

VII,  1890,  p.  238. 

1891 
BUTLER,  A.  W.     A  Catalogue  of  the  Birds  of  Indiana.     Trans.   Ind.   Hort. 

Soc.,  1890,  Appendix  C,  pp.  1—135. 
LOUCKS,  W.  E.     List  of  'Birds  found  breeding  in  the  Vicinity,  of  Peoria,  111. 

Oologist,  Vol.  VIII,  1891,  p.  224. 

1892 
BUTLER,  A.  W.     Notes  on  the  Range  and  Habits  of  the  Carolina  Parrakeet. 

The  Auk,  Vol.  IX,  1892,  pp.  49—56.     (Refers  to  the  species  in  Illinois..) 
HOUGH,    E.     Ruffed   Grouse    at    Hinsdale.      Chicago    and    the    West,    Vol. 

XXXVIII,  Aug.,  1892,  p.  86. 
HOUGH,  E.     Bald  Eagle  killed  at  Calumet  Heights.     Chicago  and  the  West, 

Vol.  XXXVIII,  Dec.  i,  1892,  p.  469. 
HATCH,  P.  L.     Notes  on  the  Birds  of  Minnesota.     Geol.  and  Nat.  Hist.  Surv. 

of  Minn.     First  report,  June,  1892. 
LOUCKS,  W.  E.     An  oological  Trip  to  central  Illinois.     Oologist,  Vol.  IX,  1892, 

p.  196. 


746     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

1893 
HOUGH,  E.     Canvasback  Ducks  in  Calumet  Lake.     Forest  and  Stream,  Vol. 

XL,  March  23,  1893,  p.  253. 
LOUCKS,  W.  E.     The  Illinois  River  Valley  from  an  Ornithologist's  Standpoint. 

Oologist,  Vol.  X,  1893,  p.  119. 
MURCHISON,  A.  C.     Distribution  of  the  Long-eared  Owl  and  Cooper's  Hawk 

in  Illinois.     Ornithologist  and  Oslogist,  Vol.  XVIII,  1893. 
MURCHISON,  A.  C.     Distribution  of  the  Mocking.Bird  in  Illinois.      Ornithologist 

and  Oologist,  Vol.  XVIII,  1893,  pp.  67-70. 

MURCHISON,  A.   C.     Distribution  of  the  Black-crowned   Night   Heron  in   Il- 
linois.    Ornithologist  and  Oologist,  Vol.  XVIII,  1893,  p.  82. 
VAN  WINKLE.       The  Caspian  or  Imperial  Tern.     Oologist,  Vol.   X,    Xo.   4, 

April,  1893,  p.  114. 
WHITE,    S.    E.     Birds   observed   on   Mackinac   Island,    Michigan,   during   the 

Summers  of  1889,  1890,  and  1891.     The  Auk,  Vol  X,  1893,  p.  228. 

1894 

CLARK,  E.  S.  The  Last  of  his  Race.  Chicago  Tribune,  Nov.  25,  1894.  (Pas- 
senger Pigeon  takes  refuge  in  Lincoln  Park.) 

COALE,  H.  K.  Willow  Thrush  in  Northeastern  Illinois.  The  Auk,  Vol.  XI, 
July,  1894,  p.  222. 

DICKINSON,  J.  E.  Kirtland's  Warbler  in  Illinois.  Wilson  Ornithological 
Chapter,  Bull.  No.  4,  Oberlin,  Ohio,  Jan.  15,  1895. 

GAULT,  B.  T.     Kirtland's  Warbler  in  Northeastern  Illinois.     The  Auk,  Vol. 

XI,  1894,  p.  258. 

LOUCKS,  W.  E.  The  Life  History  and  Distribution  of  the  Prothonotary  War- 
bler in  Illinois.  Bull.  111.  State  Labr.  Nat.  Hist.,  Vol.  IV,  1894,  pp.  10-35, 
with  map. 

1895 

DEANE,  R.  Additional  Notes  on  the  Passenger  Pigeon  in  Illinois  and  In- 
diana. The  Auk,  Vol.  XII,  Jan.,  1895,  p.  98. 

DEANE,  R.  Additional  Records  of  the  Passenger  Pigeon  in  Illinois  and  Indiana. 
The  Auk,  Vol.  XII,  July,  1895,  PP-  298-300. 

DUNN,  J.  O.     Notes  on  some  Birds  of  Northeastern  Illinois.     The  Auk,  Vol. 

XII,  Oct.,  1895,  pp.  393-395- 

DUNN,  J.  O.     The  Passenger  Pigeon  in  the  Upper  Mississippi  Valley.     The 

Auk,  Vol.  XII,  1895,  p.  389. 
GAULT,   B.   T.     The  Passenger  Pigeon  in   Northeastern  Illinois.       The  Auk, 

Vol.  XII,  1895,  p.  80. 

GAULT,  B.  T.     The  Willow  Thrush.     The  Auk,  Vol.  XII,  1895,  p.  85. 
GRUNDTVIG,  F.  L.     On  the  Birds  of  Shiocton  in  Bovina,  Outagamie  County, 

Wisconsin,  1881-83.     Trans.  Wis.  Acad.  of  Sci.,  Arts  and  Letters,  Vol.  X, 

1894-1895,  pp.  73-158.      (Translated  by  Chas.  E.  Faxon.) 
PRAEGER,  W.  E.     Two  records  from  Keokuk,  Iowa.     The  Auk,  Vol.  XII,  1895, 

p.  85. 
RIDGWAY,  R.     The  Ornithology  of  Illinois.     Nat.  Hist.  Surv.  111.,  State  Labr. 

Nat.  Hist.,  Vol.  II,  1895,  illustrated. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN  —  CORY.  747 

1896 
CHERRIE,  G.  K.     Ardetta  neoxena  from  Wisconsin.     The  Auk,  Vol.  XIII,  1896, 

p.  79. 
DEANE,   R.     Additional  Records  of  the  Passenger  Pigeon   (Ectopistes  migra- 

torius)  in  Wisconsin  and  Illinois.     The  Auk,  Vol.  XIII,  1896,  p.  81. 
CORY,  C.  B.     A  List  of  the  Birds  of  Eastern  North  America,  Boston,    1896. 

(Species  which  occur  in  Illinois  are  indicated.) 
GAULT,  B.  T.      Recent  Occurrence  of  the  Turkey  Vulture  and  Bald  Eagle  in 

Cook  County,  Illinois.     Wilson  Bull.,  No.  9,  July  30,  1896,  p.  3-4. 
HOUGH,  E.     Acclimating  Quail  at  Calumet  Heights.     Forest  and  Stream,  Vol. 

XLVII,  Dec.,   1896,  p.  467. 

WOODRUFF,  F  .M.     The  Raven  in  Illinois.     The  Auk,  Vol.  XIII,  1896,  pp.  83-84. 
WOODRUFF,  F.  M.     On  Birds  reported  as  rare  in  Cook  County,  Illinois.       The 

Auk,  Vol.  XIII,  1896,  pp.  179-181. 

1897 
BLACKWELDER,  E.     Notes  on  Occurrence  of  Smith's  Longspur.     The  Osprey, 

Vol.  I,  1897,  p.  67. 
BUTLER,  A.  W.     The  unusual  Occurrence  of  Brunnich's  Murre  (Uria  lomvia) 

far  inland,  with  Notes  on  other  rare  Birds.     The  Auk,  Vol.  XIV,  April, 

1897,  pp.  197-200. 
GAULT,  B.  T.     Unusual  winter  Visitors  in  DuPage  County,  Illinois.      Wilson 

Bull.,  No.  12,  Jan.,  1897,  p.  10. 
GAULT,  B  .T.     Short  Notes;    The  Red  Crossbill.     Wilson  Bull.,  No.  13,  March, 

1897,  p.    20. 

HESS,  I.  E.     Nesting  of  Bachman's  Sparrow.     Nidologist,  Vol.  IV,  1897,  p.  93. 
HOUGH,  E.     Raven  and  Snowy  Owl  at  Calumet  Heights.     Forest  and  Stream, 

Vol.  XLIX,  Nov.  20,  1897,  p.  401. 
WOODRUFF,  F.  M.     The  Home  of  the  Loggerhead  Shrike.      The  Osprey,  Vol.  I, 

No.  8,  1897,  p.  109. 
WOODRUFF,  F.  M.     Lake  Michigan  Bird  Notes.     The  Auk,  Vol.  XIV,  1897, 

pp.  227-228. 

1898 
DEANE,  R.  The  Passenger  Pigeon  (Ectopistes  migratorius}  in  Wisconsin  and 

Nebraska.     The  Auk,  Vol.  XV,  1898,  p.  184. 
FERRY,  J.  F.     Winter  Observations  at  Lake  Forest.     The  Osprey,  Vol,  II,  1898, 

pp.  88-89. 
WOODRUFF,  F.  M.     Lake  Michigan  Notes.     The  Auk,  Vol.  XV,  No.   i,  Jan., 

1898,  pp.  61-62,  p.  109. 

1899 

BLACKWELDER,  E.     A  Note  on  Kirtland's  Warbler  (Dendroica  kirtlandi).      The 

Auk,  Vol.  XVI,  1899,  p.  359. 
BRYAN,   WM.    A.     Pinicola   enucleator  canadensis   and    Tryngites   subruficollis 

in  Illinois.     The  Auk,  Vol.  XVI,  1899,  p.  276. 
BRYAN,  WM.  A.     Melanerpes  erythrocephalus  wintering  in  Chicago.     The  Auk, 

Vol.  XVI,  1899,  p.  272. 
CHAPMAN,  F.  M.     Further  Notes  on  Dendroica  kirtlandi.     The  Auk,  Vol.  XVI, 

1899,  p.  81. 


748     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  —  ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

DEANE,  R.  Notes  on  the  Breeding  of  the  Wilson's  Snipe  (Gallinago  delicata) 
in  Illinois  and  Indiana.  The  Auk,  Vol.  XVI,  1899,  PP-  270-272. 

WORTHEN,  C.  K.  Capture  of  a  second  Specimen  of  Harlan's  Hawk  (Buteo 
harlani).  The  Osprey,  Vol.  Ill,  1899,  p.  94. 

1900 

ALLEN,  J.  A.     The  Little  Black  Rail.     The  Auk,  Vol.  XVII,  Jan.,  1900,  p.  i. 

(Refers  to  the  nesting  of  the  species  in  Illinois.) 
BENNETTS,  W.  J.     Occurrence  of  the  Mocking'  Bird  in  Milwaukee  County. 

Bull.  Wis.  Nat.  Hist.  Soc.,  Vol.  I,  (New  series),  No.  i,  1900,  p.  61. 
BENNETTS,  W.  J.     On  the  Occurrence  of  the  Evening  Grosbeak  in  Milwaukee 

in  the  winter  1899-1900.     Bull.  Wis.  Nat.  Hist.  Soc.,  Vol.  I,  (New  series), 

1900,  p.  129. 
BENNETTS,  W.  J.     Note  on  the  Food  of  the  Canada  Jay  (Perisoreus  canadensis. 

Bull.  Wis.  Nat.  Hist.  Soc.,  Vol.  I,  (New  series),  1900,  p.  133. 
BRANDON,  J.  A.     Notes  on  some  migratory  Birds.     Bull.  Wis.  Nat.  Hist.  Soc., 

Vol  I,  (New  series),  1900,  p.  191. 
CORY,  C.  B.     Key  to  the  Birds  of  Eastern  North  America.     Boston,  Mass., 

1900. 

GAULT,  B.  T.     Bird  Life  at  Glen  Ellyn.      Bird  Lore,  Vol.  II,  Dec.,  1900,  p.  187. 
GAULT,  B.  T.     A  Correction  (note  on  Empidonax  trailli).     Wilson  Bull.,  No.  32, 

1900,  p.  9. 

HESS,  I.  E.     The  Prairie  Hen  in  Illinois.      Oologist,  Vol.  27,  1900,  p.  135. 
HOUGH,  E.     Canada  Goose  at  Calumet  Heights.     Forest  and  Stream,  March 

31,  1900,  p.  249. 
HOUGH,  E.     Quail  and  Ruffed  Grouse  at  Calumet  Heights.     Forest  and  Stream, 

Vol.  LV,  Nov.  24,  1900,  p.  405. 
MEAD,   G.    S.     The   Red-headed   Woodpecker   near   Chicago,    111.     The   Auk, 

Vol.  XVII,  1900,  p.  67. 
WOODRUFF,  F.  M.     The  Western  Willet.     Birds  and  Nature,  Vol.  VIII,  Nov., 

1900,  p.  146. 

1901 
GAULT,  B.  T.     The  Christmas  Bird  Census  at  Glen  Ellyn,  Illinois.     Bird  Lore, 

Vol.  Ill,  1901,  p.  32. 
RIDGWAY,  R.     The  Birds  of  North  and  Middle  America.     Bull.   U.   S.   Nat. 

Mus.,  No.  ^o,  part  i,  1901. 

1902 
DEANE,  R.     Second  Record  of  the  Purple  Gallinule  in   Illinois.      The  Auk, 

Vol.  XIX,  1902,  p.  77. 
FARWELL,  ELLEN  DRUMMOND.     The  Carolina  "vYren  at  Lake  Forest,  Illinois. 

The  Auk,  Vol.  XIX,  1902,  p.  209. 
GAULT,  B.   T.     Food  Habits  of  the  Wilson's   Snipe.     Wilson  Bull.,  No.  38, 

March,  1902,  p.  7. 

HESS,  I.  E.     An  Illinois  Heronry.     Oologist,  Oct.,  1902,  p.  145. 
RIDGWAY,  R.     The  Birds  of  North  and  Middle  America.     Bull.   U.   S.   Nat. 

Mus.,  No.  50,  part  2,  1902. 
SNYDER,  W.  E.     Notes  on  the  rarer  Birds  of  Dodge  Co.,  Wisconsin.     Bull. 

Wis.  Nat.  Hist.  Soc.,  Vol.  II,  No.  2,  1902,  p.  109. 
WHEELOCK,  IRENE  G.     Rare  Birds  seen  at  Lake  Forest.     Inter  Ocean,  March, 

1902. 


JAN.,  1909.     BIRDS  OF  ILLINOIS  AND  WISCONSIN — -CoRY.  749 

WINKENWERDER,  H.  A.     The  winter  Habits  of  the  Red-headed  Woodpecker. 

Bull.  Wis.  Nat.  Hist.  Soc.,  Vol.  II,  No.  i,  1902,  p.  69. 
WINKENWERDER,  H.  A.  Some  recent  Observations  of  the  Migration  of  Birds. 

Bull.  Wis.  Nat.  Hist.  Soc.,  Vol.  II,  No.  2,  1902,  p.  97. 
WINKENWERDER,  H.  A.  The  Migration  of  Birds,  with  special  Reference  to 

nocturnal  Flight.     Bull.  Wis.  Nat.  Hist.  Soc.,  Vol.  II,  No.  4,   1902,  pp. 

177-263. 

1903 
ABBOTT,  G.  A.     Nesting  of  the  Least  Bittern.     Birds  and  Nature,  Vol.  XIV, 

No.  2,  Sept.,  1903,  p.  71. 
DEANE,    R.     Richardson's   Owl    (Nyctala   tengmalmi   richardsoni)    in    Illinois. 

The  Auk,  Vol.  XX,  1903,  p.  433- 
DEANE,    R.     Richardson's   Owl    (Nyctala   tengmalmi   richardsoni}    in    Illinois. 

The  Auk,  Vol.  XX,  1903,  p.  305. 
KUMLIEN,  L.  &  HOLLISTER,  N.     The  Birds    of    Wisconsin.     Bull.  Wis.   Nat. 

Hist.  Soc.,  Vol.  Ill,  Nos.  i,  2  and  3,  1903. 

1904 

COOKE,  W.  W.     On  Migration  of  the  Hooded  Warbler.     Bird  Lore,  Vol.  VI, 

No.  i,  Jan. -Feb.,  1904,  p.  22. 
COOKE,  W.  W.     Migration  of  Warblers.     Bird  Lore,  Vol.  VI,  No.   2,  April, 

1904,  pp.  57-60. 

COOKE,   W.   W.     Distribution   and   Migration   of   North  American  Warblers. 

Bull.  No.  18,  U.  S.  Dept.  of  Agri.,  Div.  Biol.  Surv.,  1904,  p.  142. 
RIDGWAY,  R.     The  Birds  of  North  and  Middle  America.     Bull.   U.   S.   Nat. 

Mus.,  No.  50,  part  3,  1904. 
WOODRUFF,  F.  M.     The  Loon.     Birds  and  Nature,  Vol.  XVI,  Nov.,  1904,  pp. 

191-192. 
WOODRUFF,  F.  M.     The  Sora  Rail.     Birds  and  Nature,  Vol.  XVI,  Dec.,  1904, 

pp.  '201-202 . 

1905 

ABBOTT,  G.  A.  Nesting  of  the  Woodcock.  Bull.  Mich.  Orn.  Club,  March- 
June,  1905,  p.  10. 

DEANE,  R.  Hybridism  between  the  Shoveller  and  Blue-winged  Teal.  The 
Auk,  Vol.  XXII,  1905,  p.  321. 

DEANE,  R.  Additional  record  of  the  European  Widgeon.  The  Auk,  Vol. 
XXII,  January,  1905,  p.  76. 

SNYDER,  W.  E.     The  Gray  Gerfalcon  in  Wisconsin.     The  Auk,  Vol.  XXII, 

1905,  p.  143. 

SKAVLEM,   H.    L.     Canvasback   Duck   Food.     The   Northwestern   Sportsman, 

1905,  pp.  161-164,  236-240 
SKAVLEM,  H..  L.      Canvasback  Duc'c   Food  (abstract  from  preceding  paper). 

Bull.  Wis.  Nat.  Hist.  Soc.,  Vol.  Ill,  No.  4,  1905,  p.  i63. 
THURBER,  C.     The  Hermit  Thrush.     Birds  and  Nature,  Vol.   XVIII,  No.  2, 

Sept.,  1905,  p.  50. 
WHEELOCK,  IRENE  G.      Regurgitative  Feeding  of  Nestlings.     The  Auk,  Vol. 

XXII,  January,  1905,  p.  54. 


750     FIELD  MUSEUM  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY — ZOOLOGY,  VOL.  IX. 

1906 

BUTLER,  A.  W.     Some  Notes    on    Indiana    Birds.      The    Auk,    Vol.   XXIII, 

1906,  p.  271. 

DEANE,  R.    A  northern  Record  for  the  Swallow-tailed  Kite  (Eianoides  forficatus') 

in  Wisconsin.     The  Auk,  Vol.  XXIII,  1906,  p.  100. 
DEANE,  R.      Unusual   Abundance   of    the   Snowy  Owl  (Nyctea  nyctea).     The 

Auk,  Vol.  XXIII,  1906,  pp.  283-298.      (Illinois  records,  pp.  297,  298.) 
NORTON,  A.  H.     The    eastern    Distribution    of  <  the    Prairie    Horned    Lark,  a 

question  of  evidence.     The  Auk,  Vol.  XXIII,  1906,  p.  225. 
WARD,  H.  L.     Notes  on  the  Herring  Gull  and  the  Caspian  Tern.     Bull.  Wis. 

Nat.  Hist.  Soc.,  Vol.  IV,  No.  4,  1906,  pp.  113-134,  2  plates. 
WHEELOCK,  IRENE  G.     Nesting  Habits  of  the  Green  Heron.     The  Auk,  Vol. 

XXIII,  1906,  p.  432. 

WILSON,  B.  H.     The  Birds  of  Scott  County,  Iowa.     The  Wilson  Bulletin,  Vol. 

XVIII,  March,  1906,  p.  i. 

1907 
ANDERSON,  R.  M.     The  Birds  of  Iowa.     Proc.  Dav.  Acad.  Sci.,  Vol.  XI,  1907,  p. 

125-417. 
DAGGETT,   F.  S.     The   Whistling   Swan  in   Northeastern   Illinois.     The    Auk, 

Vol.  XXIV,  1907,  p.  337. 
DEANE,  R.     Unusual  Abundance  of  the  American  Goshawk   (Accipiter  atri- 

capillus).     The  Auk,  Vol  XXIV,  1907,  p.  182. 
FERRY,  J.  F.     Ornithological  Conditions  in  Northeastern  Illinois,  with  Notes 

on  some  winter  Birds.     The  Auk,  Vol.  XXIV,  1907,  p.  121. 
FERRY,  J.  F.     Winter  Bird  Notes  from  extreme  southern  Illinois.     The  Auk, 

Vol.  XXIV,  1907,  p.  281. 
FERRY,  J.  F.     Further  Notes  from  extreme  southern  Illinois.     The  Auk,  Vol. 

XXIV,  1907,  p.  430. 

FORBES,  S.  A.     An  Ornithological  Cross-section  of  Illinois  in  Autumn.     Bull. 

111.  State  Labr.  Nat.  Hist.,  Vol.  VII,  1907,  pp.  305-335. 
RIDGWAY,   R.     The  Birds  of   North  and   Middle  America.      Bull.   U.   S.    Xat. 

Mus.,  No.  50,  part  4,  1907. 
WIDMANN,  O.     A  preliminary  Catalogue  of  the  Birds  of  Missouri.     St.  Louis, 

1907. 
WOODRUFF,  F.  M.     The  Birds  of  the  Chicago  Area.     Bull.  No.  VI  of  the  Nat. 

Hist.  Surv.     The  Chicago  Academy  of  Sciences,  April  15,  1907. 
WOODRUFF,  F.  M.     Rare  northern  Birds  near  Chicago.      The  Auk,  Vol.  XXIV, 

1907,  p.  107. 

WOODRUFF,   F.    M.     Malformed   Bill  of  Rose-breasted  Grosbeak.     The  Auk, 

Vol.  XXIV,  1907,  p.  220. 

1908 
DAGGETT,  F.  S.     Capture  of  the  American  Goshawk  and  Harris's  Sparrow  near 

Chicago,  111.     The  Auk,  Vol.  XXV,  1908,  p.  82. 
GROSS,  A.  O.     Swainson's  Warbler  (Helinaia  swainsoni).     The  Auk,  Vol.  XXV, 

1908,  p.  225. 

WARD,  H.  L.     Occurrence  of  a  Dovekie  at  Port  Washington,  Wisconsin.      The 

Auk,  Vol.  XXV,  1908,  p.  215. 
WYMAN,  L.  E.      The  Prairie  Warbler  near  Chicago.      The  Auk,  Vol.  XXV,  1908, 

p.  87 


INDEX 


Acanthis 

Acanthis  hornemannii  exilipes. . 

Acanthis  linaria 

Acanthis  linaria  holbcellii 

Acanthis  linaria  rostrata 

Accipiter 

Accipiter  atricapillus 

Accipiter  cooperii 

Accipiter  velox 

Actitis 

Actitis  maculana 

^Echmophorus 

^chmophorus  occidentalis 

^Egialitis  meloda 

^Egialitis  meloda  circumcincta. . 

/Egialitis  semipalmata 

^gialitis  vocifera 

^thiinse 

Agelaius 

Agelaius  phceniceus 

Agelaius  phceniceus  arctolegus.. 

Aimophila.  .  .». 

Aimophila  aestivalis  bachmanii. 

Aix 

Aix  sponsa 

Ajaia 

Ajaia  ajaia 

Ajaja  ajaja 

Akudidse 

Alcedinidae 

Alcidse 

Alcyones 

Alle 

Alle  alle 

Allinae 

Aluco 

Aluco  pratincola 

Aluconidse 

Ammodramus  caudacutus  nel- 

soni 

Ammodramus  henslowii 

Ammodramus  leconteii 

Ammodramus  sandwichensis 

savanna 

Ammodramus  savannarum  pas- 

serinus 

Ampelinas 

Ampelis  cedrorum 

Ampelis  garrulus 

Anas 

'Anas  a'mericana 

Anas  boschas.  .  . 


573 
573 
574 
575 
576 
456 
458 
457 
456 
420 
420 
276 
276 
429 
43° 
428 
427 
280 
555 

ill 

600 
600 

33° 
33° 
357 
357 
357 
540 
506 
279 
506 
280 
280 
280 
484 
484 
484 


584 

585 
624 
625 
624 
320 
324 
320 


Anas  carolinensis 325 

Anas  cyanoptera 327 

Anas  discors 326 

Anas  obscura 321 

Anas  penelope 323 

Anas  platyrhynchos 320 

Anas  rubripes 321 

Anas  rubripes  tristis 322 

Anas  strepera 322 

Anatidae 316 

Anatinas 319 

Anhinga 307 

Anhinga  anhinga 307 

Anhingidas 307 

Anis 504 

Anser 350 

Anser  albifrons  gambeli 350 

Anseres 316 

Anserinag 347 

Anthus 678 

Anthus  pensilvanicus 678 

Anthus  rubescens 678 

Antrostomus 521 

Antrostomus  carolinensis 521 

Antrostomus  vociferus 522 

Aphrizidae 430 

Aquila 472 

Aquila  chrysaetos 472 

Aramidas 379 

Aramus 380 

Aramus  giganteus 380 

Aramus  vociferus 380 

Archibuteo 469 

Archibuteo  ferrugineus 469 

Archibuteo     lagopus     sancti-jo- 

hannis 471 

Ardea 366 

Ardea  cserulea .. .  .  370 

Ardea  candidissima 368 

Ardea  egretta 367 

Ardea  herodias 366 

Ardea  rufescens 369 

Ardea  virescens 371 

Ardeidas .-.  362 

Ardeinae 366 

Ardetta  exilis. 364 

Ardetta  neoxena 365 

Arenaria   431 

Arenaria  interpres 431 

Arenaria  interpres  morinella  ...  431 

Arenariinae 431 

Arquatella 402 

Arquatella  maritima 402 

Asio 486 


751 


752 


INDEX 


Asio  accipitrinus 488 

Asio  flammeus 488 

Asio  wilsonianus 486 

Astragalinus 577 

Astragalinus  tristis 577 

Astur 458 

Astur  atricapillus 458 

Astur  atricapillus  striatulus.  .  .  .  460 

Asturina 469 

Asturina  plagiata 469 

Auk,  Little 280 

Auks 279 

Avocet,  American 392 

Avocets 392 

Aythya  affinis 334 

Aythya  americana 332 

Aythya  collaris 335 

Aythya  marila  nearctica 333 

Aythya  vallisneria 333 


B 

Baeolophus 

Baeolophus  bicolor 

Baldpate  (Duck) 

Bald  Brant 

Bartramia 

Bartramia  longicauda 

Beetle-head 

Birds  of  Prey 

Bittern,  American 

Bittern,  Cory's  Least. 

Bittern,  Least 

Bitterns 

Blackbird,  Arctic  Red-winged.  . 

Blackbird,  Brewer's 

Blackbird,  Red-winged 

Blackbird,  Rusty 

Blackbird,  Yellow-headed 

Blackbirds 

Black-breast 

Blackhead  (Duck) 

Bluebill  (Duck) 333, 

Bluebird 

Bluebird,  Mountain 

Bluebirds 705, 

Bobolink 

Bob-white 

Bombycilla 

Bombycilla  cedrorum 

Bombycilla  garrula 

Bombycillidas 

Bonasa 

Bonasa  umbellus 

Bonasa  umbellus  togata ........ 

Botaurinae 

Botaurus .' 

Botaurus  lentiginosus 

Brant 350, 

Brant,  Bald 

Brant,  Blue 

Brant,  White 347, 

Brant  Bird.  .  . 


697 
697 
324 
349 
418 
418 
425 
448 
363 
365 
364 
362 

si6 

563 

555 
562 
554 
55° 
425 
333 
334 


432 
624 
625 
624 
624 
436 
436 
437 
363 
363 
363 
353 
349 
349 
348 


Branta 

Branta  bernicla 

Branta  bernicla  glaucogastra.  . 

Branta  canadensis 

Branta  canadensis  hutchinsii.  .  . 
Branta  canadensis  minima. 

Broadbill  (Duck) 

Bubo 

Bubo  virginianus 

Bubo,  virginianus  pallescens.  .  . 
Bubo  Virginianus  subarcticus.  . 

Bunting,  Black-throated 

Bunting,  Indigo 

Bunting,  Painted 

Bunting,  Snow 

Butcher  Bird 

Buteo 

Buteo  borealis 

Buteo  borealis  calurus 

Buteo  borealis  harlani 

Buteo  borealis  krideni 

Buteo  latissimus 

Buteo  lineatus 

Buteo  platypterus 

Buteo  swainsoni 

Buteoninae 

Butorides 

Butorides  virescens 

Butter-ball  (Duck) 

Butter-bill  Coot 

Buzzard,  Turkey 


Calcarius 

Calcarius  lapponicus 

Calcarius  pictus 

Calico-back 

Calidris 

Calidris  arenaria 

Calidris  leucophaea • 

Campephilus 

Campephilus  principalis 

Canachites 

Canachites  canadensis  canace .  . 

Caprimulgi 

Caprimulgidae 

Cardinal 

Cardinalis 

Cardinalis  cardinalis 

Carpodacus 

Carpodacus  purpureus 

Catbird 

Catharista 

Catharista  atrata 

Catharista  urubu 

Cathartes 

Cathartes  aura  septentrionalis . 

Cathartidae 

Catoptrophorus 

Catoptrophorus  semipalmatus.  . 
Catoptrophorus   semipalmatus 
inornatus.  .  .  


353 
353 
35i 
352 
352 
328 
495 
495 
497 
497 
613 
611 
612 

579 
628 
460 
460 
463 
463 
462 
467 
464 
467 
465 


338 
343 
449 


580 


409 
409 
409 

508 
508 
435 
435 


608 
608 
608 
569 
569 
682 

449 
449 
449 
449 
449 
448 
416 
416 

417 


INDEX 


753 


Centurus 

Centurus  carolinus 

Cepphi 

Cerchneis 

Certhia 

Certhia  familiaris  americana. . 

Certhiidas 

Ceryle 

Ceryle  alcyon 

Chaetura 

Chaetura  pelagica 

Chaeturinae 

Charadriidae 

Charadrius 

Charadrius  dominicus 

Charadrius  squatarola 

Charitonetta 

Charitonetta  albeola 

Chat,  Yellow-breasted 

Chaulelasmus 

Chaulelasmus  streperus 

Chelidon  erythrogastra 

Chen -. 

Chen  caerulescens 

Chen  hyperborea 

Chen  hyperborea  niv'alis 

Chickadee 

Chickadee,  Carolina 

Chickadee,  Hudsonian 

Chickadee,  Long-tailed 

Chickadees 

Chondestes 

Chondestes  grammacus 

Chord  eiles 

Chord  eiles  virginianus 

Chord  eiles  virginianus  henryi. 
Chordeiles  virginianus  sennetti 

Chuck- will's  Widow 

Ciconiae 

Ciconiidae 

Circus 

Circus  hudsonicus 

Cistothorus 

Cistothorus  palustris 

Cistothorus  stellaris 

Clamatores 

Clangula 

Clangula  clangula  americana.  . 

Clangula  hyemalis 

Clangula  islandica , 

Clivicola  riparia 

Coccothraustes  vespertinus. . . 

Coccyges 

Coccyginae , 

Coccyzus 

Coccyzus  americanus 

Coccyzus  erythropthalmus.  .  .  . 

Colaptes 

Colaptes  auratus  luteus 

Colinus 

.  Colinus  virginianus 

Columbae 

Columbidae. . . 


5J8 

279 
481 
693 
693 
693 
506 
506 

526 
526 
425 
426 
426 
425 
338 

672 
322 
322 
620 

347 
349 
347 
348 
698 
700 
700 
699 
697 

589 
589 
523 
523 
525 
524 
521 
360 
360 
455 
455 
689 
690 
689 
529 
336 
336 
340 
337 
622 
566 
504 
5°4 
5°4 
5°4 

519 

432 
432 
444 

444 


Colymbi 275 

Colymbidae 275 

Colymbus 276 

Colymbus  auritus 277 

Colymbus  holboellii 276 

Colymbus  nigricollis  californicus.  277 

Compsothlypis 647 

Compsothlypis  americana 647 

Compsothlypis  americana  rama- 

linae 647 

Contopus  borealis 534 

Contopus  richardsonii 535 

Contopus  virens 535 

Conuropsis 501 

Conuropsis  carolinensis 501 

Conurus  carolinensis 501 

Coot,  American 387 

Coot  (see  Ducks) 343 

Coot,  White-winged  (Duck)  ....  344 

Coots 379,  380 

Cormorant,  Double-crested 309 

Cormorant,  Florida 310 

Cormorant,  Mexican 311 

Cormorants 307,  308 

Corvidae 542 

Corvinae 546 

Corvus 546 

Corvus  americanus 548 

Corvus  brachyrhynchos 548 

Corvus  corax  principalis 546 

Corvus  corax  sinuatus 547 

Coturnicops 384 

Coturnicops  noveboracensis 384 

Coturniculus 585 

Coturniculus  henslowii 586 

Coturniculus  leconteii 586 

Coturniculus  savannarum  aus- 

tralis 585 

Courlans 379 

Cowbird 552 

Crane,  Little  Brown 377 

Crane,  Sandhill 377 

Crane,  Whooping 376 

Cranes 375 

Creciscus 385 

Creciscus  jamaicensis, , .  .  .  385 

Creeper,  Black  &  White  (see 

Warbler) 638 

Creeper,  Brown 693 

Creepers 693 

Crossbill,  American 571 

Crossbill,  Red -.  .  571 

Crossbill,  White-winged 572 

Crossbills 565 

Crow,  American 548 

Crow,  Carrion 449 

Crows 542 

Crow-blackbird 564 

Crymophilus  fulicarius 390 

Cuckoo,  Black-billed. 505 

Cuckoo,  Yellow-billed 504 

Cuckoos 504 

Cuckoos,  American 504 


754 


INDEX 


Cuculi 504 

Cuculidae 504 

Curlew,  Eskimo 423 

Curlew,  Hudsonian 423 

Curlew,  Jack 423 

Curlew,  Long-billed 421 

Cyanocitta 544 

Cyanocitta  cristata 544 

Cygninae 354 

Cypseli 525 

D 

Dafila 

Dahla  acuta 

Darters 

Dendragapus  canadensis.  .  .  . 

Dendroica 648 

Dendroica  sestiva 648 


329 
329 
3°7 

435 


656 
694 
654 
652 
650 
663 
657 
659 


Dendroica  blackburniae .  . 

Dendroica  caerulescens 

Dendroica  castanea 

Dendroica  cerulea 

Dendroica  coronata 

Dendroica  discolor 

Dendroica  dominica  albilora. 

Dendroica  kirtlandii 

Dendroica  maculosa 651 

Dendroica  magnolia 651 

Dendroica  palmarum 662 

Dendroica  pensylvanica 653 

Dendroica  striata 655 

Dendroica  tigrina 648 

Dendroica  vigorsii 66 1 

Dendroica  virens 658 

Dichromanassa 369 

Dichromanassa  rufescens 369 

Dickcissel 613 

Dipper  (Duck) 338 

Diving  Birds 275 

Dolichonvx 551 

Dolichonyx  oryzivorus 551 

Dough  Bird 423 

Dove,  Mourning 446 

Dovekie 280 

Dowitcher 398 

Dowitcher,  Long-billed 399 

Dryobates 511 

Dryobates  pubescens  medianus .  512 

Dryobates  villosus 511 

Dryobates  villosus  leucomelas.. .  512 

Duck,  American  Eider 342 

Duck,  American  Golden-eye. . .  .  336 

Duck,  American  Scoter 343 

Duck,  Barrow's  Golden-eye 337 

Duck,  Black 321 

Duck,  Buffle-head 338 

Duck,  Canvas-back 333 

Duck,  Creek 322 

Duck,  Dusky  Mallard  (see  Black 

Duck) 321 

Duck,  Gadwall 322 

Duck,  Gray 322 

Duck,  Harlequin 341 


Duck,  King  Eider 

Duck,  Lesser  Scaup 

Duck,  Long-tailed 

Duck,  Mallard 

Duck,  Masked   

Duck,  Old  Squaw 

Duck,  Pheasant 

Duck,  Pintail 

Duck,  Redhead 

Duck,  Red-legged  Black 

Duck,  Ring-necked 

Duck,  Ruddy 

Duck,  Scaup 

Duck,  Serf  Scoter 

Duck,  Shoveller 

Duck,  Summer 

Duck,  Velvet 

Duck,  White-winged  Scoter. . . 

Duck,  (Widgeon) 

Duck,  Wood 

Ducks 

Ducks,  River  and  Pond 

Ducks,  Sea 

Dumetella 

Dumetella  carolinensis 


Eagle,  Bald 

Eagle,  Golden 

Eagles 

Ectopistes 

Ectopistes  migratorius.  . . 

Egret,  American 

Egret,  Reddish 

Egrets 

Egretta 

Egretta  candidissima.  .  .  . 

Elanoides 

Elanoides  forficatus 

Elanus.  .  . 


Elanus  leucurus 

Empidonax 

Empidonax  flaviventris 

Empidonax  minimus 

Empidonax  traillii 

Empidonax  traillii  alnorum.  .  . . 

Empidonax  virescens 

Ereunetes. 

Ereunetes  mauri 

Ereunetes  occidentalis 

Ereunetes  pusillus. 

Erionetta 

Erismatura 

Erismatura  jamaicensis 

Erismatura  rubida 

Euphagus 

Euphagus  carolinus 

Euphagus  cyanocephalus 

F 

Falco 

Falco  columbarius 

Falco  columbarius  richardsonii 


334 
340 
320 
346 
339 
329 
329 
332 
321 

335 
346 
333 
345 
328 
33° 
344 
344 
324 

316 
319 
33i 
682 
682 


474 
472 
451 
444 
444 
367 
369 
362 
368 
368 
451 
451 
453 
453 


539 
538 
539 
537 
408 
409 
409 
408 
343 
346 
346 


562 
563 


475 
479 
481 


INDEX 


755 


Falco  mexicanus 477 

Falco  peregrinus  anatum 478 

Falco  rusticolus 475 

Falco  sparverius 481 

Falcon,  Peregrine 478 

Falcon,  Prairie 477 

Falcones 451 

Falconidae 451 

Falconinae 475 

Falcons 451 

Finch,  Purple 569 

Finches 565 

Flicker,  Northern 519 

Florida 370 

Florida  caerulea 370 

Flycatcher,  Acadian 537 

Flycatcher,  Alder 539 

Flycatcher,  Crested 532 

Flycatcher,  Green-crested 537 

Flycatcher,  Least 539 

Flycatcher,  Olive-sided 534 

Flycatcher,  Phcebe 533 

Flycatcher,  Say's  Phcebe 534 

Flycatcher,  Scissor-tailed 529 

Flycatcher,  Train's -.  .  538 

Flycatcher,  Yellow-bellied 536 

Flycatchers 529 

Fregata 314 

Fregata  aquila 314 

Fregatidae 314 

Frigate  Bird      (see     Man-of-war 

Bird) 314 

Fringillidae 565 

Fulica 387 

Fulica  americana 387 

Fulicinas 387 

Fuligulinae 331 


Gadwall  (Duck) 

Galeoscoptes  carolinensis. 

Gallinaceous  Birds 

Gallinas 

Gallinago 

Gallinago  delicata 

Gallinula 

Gallinula  galeata 

Gallinule,  Florida 

Gallinule,  Purple 

Gallinules 

Gallinulinas 

Garrulinag 

Gavia 

Gavia  arctica 

Gavia  immer 

Gavia  stellata 

Gaviidas 

Geese 

Gelochelidon 

Gelochelidon  nilotica .... 

Geothlypis 

Geothlypis  agilis 


.  ..  322 

. . .  682 

. ..  432 

.  ..  432 

•••  397 

•  • •  397 
.  .  .  386 
.  .  .  386 
.  .  .  386 
.  ..  386 
•379.  380 
.  .  .  386 

•  •  •  543 
.  .  .  282 
. ..  284 
. . .  282 
.  ..  284 
.  .  .  282 
•316,  347 


671 
669 


Geothlypis  formosa 668 

Geothlypis  Philadelphia 670 

Geothlypis  trichas 671 

Geothlypis  trichas  brachidactyla  672 
Glaucionetta      clangula      ameri- 
cana    336 

Glaucionetta  islandica 337 

Glaux 491 

Glaux  acadicus 493 

Glaux  funerea  richardsoni 491 

Gnatcatcher,  Blue-gray 704 

Gnatcatchers 702,  704 

Goatsuckers 521 

Godwit,  Hudsonian 411 

Godwit,  Marbled 410 

Goggle-nose  (Duck) 345 

Goldfinch,  American 577 

Goose,  American  White-fronted  350 

Goose,  Blue 349 

Goose,  Brant 353 

Goose,  Cackling 352 

Goose,  Canada 351 

Goose,  Greater  Snow 348 

Goose,  Hutchin's 352 

Goose,  Lesser  Snow 347 

Goose,  Yellow-legged 350 

Goshawk,  American 458 

Goshawk,  Mexican 469 

Goshawk,  Western 460 

Grackle,  Bronzed 564 

Grass-bird 403 

Grass-snipe 403 

Grebe,  American  Eared 277 

Grebe,  Holbcell's 276 

Grebe,  Horned 277 

Grebe,  Pied-billed 278 

Grebe,  Western 276 

Grebes 275 

Grosbeak,  Blue 610 

Grosbeak,  Cardinal 608 

Grosbeak,  Evening 566 

Grosbeak,  Pine 568 

Grosbeak,  Rose-breasted 609 

Grouse 432,  435 

Grouse,  Canada 435 

Grouse,  Canadian  Ruffed 437 

Grouse,  Pinnated 439 

Grouse,  Prairie  Sharp-tailed. ...  441 

Grouse,  Ruffed 436 

Grouse,  Spruce 435 

Grues 375 

Gruidae 375 

Grus .K  .  376 

Grus  americana 376 

Grus  canadensis 377 

Grus  mexicana 377 

Guara 359 

Guara  alba 359 

Guillemot  (see  Murre) 281 

Guiraca 610 

Guiraca  caerulea 610 

Gull,  Bonaparte's 296 

Gull,  Franklin's 295 


756 


INDEX 


Gull,  Glaucous  

290 

Hesperiphona  vespertina  

566 

Gull,  Great  Black-backed  

291 

Hierofalco  

475 

Gull,  Herring  

291 

Himantopus  

394 

Gull    Iceland 

290 

Himantopus  mexicanus  

•y  r\A 

Gull   Kittiwake 

280 

Hirundmidas  

o  V4 

618 

Gull   Laughing 

^  uy 
2  QA 

Hirundo 

620 

Gull   Ring-billed 

*  y^f 
202 

Hirundo  erythrogastra  

620 

Gull,  Sabine's  

V* 

296 

Histrionicus  

341 

Gulls  

288 

Histrionicus  histrionicus  

341 

Gyrfalcon,  Gray  

475 

Hummingbird,  Ruby-throated.  . 

527 

Hummingbirds  

527 

Hydrochelidon  

3°4 

Hydrochelidon  leucoptera  

3°5 

Habia  ludoviciana  

609 

Hydrochelidon  nigra  surinamen- 

Haliaeetus  

474 

sis  

3°4 

Haliaeetus  leucocephalus  

474 

Hylocichla  

7°7 

Harelda  

340 

Hylocichla  aliciae  

709 

Harelda  hyemalis  

340 

Hylocichla  aliciae  bicknelli  

710 

Harporhynchus  rufus 

683 

Hylocichla  fuscescens 

708 

Hawk,  American  Rough-legged.. 
Hawk,  American  Sparrow  

47i 
481 

Hylocichla  fuscescens  salicicola.  . 
Hylocichla  guttata  pallasii  

/uo 

708 
7" 

Hawk,  Broad-winged  

467 

Hylocichla  mustelina  

707 

Hawk,  Cooper's  :  

457 

Hylocichla  ustulata  almas  

711 

Hawk,  Duck  

478 

Hylocichla  ustulata  swainsonii.. 

710 

Hawk,  Ferruginous    Rough-legged 

469 

T 

Hawk,  Fish.........  ...,..[... 

483 

1 

Hawk,  Harlan's  

463 

Ibides  

357 

Hawk   Krider's  Red-tailed 

462 

Ibididas 

?:r8 

Hawk,  Marsh  

AC  C 

Ibis   Glossy 

<J  JC 
^60 

Hawk,  Pigeon  

T-  0  J 

A7O 

Ibis   White 

^  \J\J 
•2  -  Q 

Hawk,  Red-shouldered  

*T  I   V 

464 

Ibis,  Wood  

O  3  V 

361 

Hawk,  Red-tailed  

460 

Ibises  357, 

358 

Hawk,  Richardson's  Pigeon,...  . 

48i 

Icteria  

672 

Hawk,  Sharp-shinned  

456 

Icteria  virens  

672 

Hawk,  Swainson's  

46  s 

Icteridas  

55° 

Hawk,  Western  Red-tailed  

463 

Icterus  

560 

Hawks  

451 

Icterus  galbula  

56i 

Hawks,  Fish  

483 

Icterus  spurius  

560 

Helinaia  

641 

Ictinia  

454 

Helinaia  swainsonii  

64i 

Ictinia  mississippiensis  

454 

Helminthophila  celata  

64  c 

lonornis 

386 

Helminthophila  chrysoptera.  .  .  . 

w<:f  j 
644 

lonornis  martinica  

386 

Helminthophila  peregrina  

646 

Iridoprocne  

621 

Helminthophila  pinus  

643 

Iridoprocne  bicolor  

621 

Helminthophila  ruficapilla  

645 

Ixobrychus  exilis  

364 

Helmitheros  

642 

Ixobrychus    neoxenus  

365 

Helmitheros  vermivorus  

642 

Helodromas  

4i5 

I 

Helodromas  solitarius  

415 

J 

Hell  Diver  

36 

asger,  Long-tailed  

287 

Herodias  

367 

,  aeger,  Parasitic  

287 

Herodias  egretta  

367 

asger,  Pomarine  

286 

Herodii  

262 

/aegers  

286 

Herodiones  

357 

]  ay,  Blue  

544 

Heron,  Black-crowned  Night.  .  . 

372 

]  ay,  Canada  

545 

Heron,  Great  Blue  

366 

ays  542, 

543 

Heron,  Green  

371 

unco  

597 

Heron,  Little  Blue  

37° 

_  unco  aikeni  

599 

Heron,  Snowy  

368 

unco  hyemalis  .'  .  .  597, 

598 

Heron,  Yellow-crowned  Night.  . 

373 

unco  hyemalis  montanus...  .598, 

599 

Herons  357,  362 

366 

unco  hyemalis  shufeldti  

599 

Hesperiphona  

566  I      unco  oregonus  shufeldti  598, 

599 

INDEX 


757 


Junco,  Montana 599 

Junco,  Shufeldt's 599 

Junco,  Slate-colored 598 


K 

Kingbird 530 

Kingbird,  Arkansas 531 

Kingfisher,  Belted 506 

Kingfishers 504,  506 

Kinglet,  Golden-crowned 702 

Kinglet,  Ruby-crowned 703 

Kinglets 702 

Kite,  Mississippi 454 

Kite,  Swallow-tailed 451 

Kite,  White-tailed 453 

Kites 451 

Knot 401 


Lagopus 438 

Lagopus  lagopus 438 

Land  Birds 432 

Laniidae ."  .  627 

Lanius 628 

Lanius  borealis 628 

Lanius  ludovicianus 628 

Lanius  ludovicianus  niigrans. .  . .  630 

Lanivireo 634 

Lanivireo  flavifrons 634 

Lanivireo  solitarius 635 

Laridae 288 

Lark,  Horned 540 

Lark,  Hoyt's  Horned 542 

Lark,  Prairie  Horned 541 

Lark,  Shore 540 

Larks 540 

Larus 290 

Larus  argentatus 291 

Larus  atri cilia 294 

Larus  delawarensis 292 

Larus  franklinii 295 

Larus  glaucus 290 

Larvs  hyperboreus 290 

Larus  leucopterus 290 

Larus  marinus • .  .  .  291 

Larus  Philadelphia 296 

Limicolae 389 

Limosa 410 

Limosa  fedoa 410 

Limosa  haemastica 411 

Limpkin 380 

Limpkins 379 

Lobipes 390 

Lobipes  lobatus 390 

Longipennes 286 

Longspur,  Lapland 580 

Longspur,  McCown's 581 

Longspur,  Smith's 581 

Loon 282 

Loon,  Black-throated 284 


Loon,  Red-throated 284 

Loons 279,  282 

Lophodytes 318 

Lophody tes  cucullatus 318 

Loxia 571 

Loxia  curvirostra  bendirei 572 

Loxia  curvirostra  minor 571 

Loxia  leucoptera 572 

M 

Macrochires 521 

Macrorhamphus 398 

Macrorhamphus  griseus 398 

Macrorhamphus  scolopaceus. ...  399 

Magpie,  American 543 

Magpies 542,  543 

Man-of-war  Bird 314 

Mareca 323 

Mareca  americana 324 

Mareca  penelope 323 

Marila 332 

Marila  affinis 334 

Marila  americana 332 

Marila  collaris 335 

Marila  marila 333 

Marila  vallisneria 333 

Marsh  Birds 389 

Martin,  Purple 618 

Meadowlark •.  557 

Meadowlark,  Southern 558 

Meadowlark,  Western 559 

Megalestris  skua 288 

Megascops  asio 494 

Melanerpes 517 

Melanerpes  carolinus 518 

Melanerpes  ery throcephalus 517 

Melanitta 344 

Meleagrinae 442 

Meleagris 442 

Meleagris  gallopavo  silvestris.  .  .  442 

Melospiza 60 1 

Melospiza  fasciata 60 1 

Melospiza  georgiana 604 

Melospiza  lincolnii 602 

Melospiza  melodia 60 1 

Merganser  americanus 317 

Merganser  serrator 317 

Merganser,  American 317 

Merganser,  Hooded 318 

Merganser,  Redbreasted 317 

Mergansers 316 

Merginas 316 

Mergus '.  .  .  .  317 

Mergus  americanus 317 

Mergus  serrator 317 

Merlin,  Richardson's 481 

Merula  migratoria 712 

Micropalama 400 

Micropalama  himantopus 400 

Micropodidae 525 

Mil vulus  f orficatus 529 

Mimidae ,  680 


758 


INDEX 


Mimus 

680 

Mimus  polyglottos  
Mniotilta  

680 
638 

Oidemia  

Mniotilta  varia  

618 

Oidemia  americana 

Mniotiltidae  

638 

Oidemia  deglandi    .  . 

Mockingbird  

680 

Oidemia  perspicillata 

Molothrus  

552 

Old-squaw    . 

Molothrus  ater  

552 

Old  Wife 

Motacillidae  
Murre,  Briinnich's  

678 
281 

Olor  
Olor  buccinator 

354 
?e6 

Murrelet,  Ancient  

280 

Olor  columbianus 

Murres   279, 

281 

Oporornis 

668 

Muscivora  

529 

Oporornis  agilis  

669 

Muscivora  forficata  
Myadestes  
Myadestes  townsendii  
Myadestinae  
Mycteria  
Mycteria  americana 

529 
7°5 
7°5 
7°5 
361 
-261 

Oporornis  formosa  
Oporornis  Philadelphia  
Oporornis  tolmiei  
Oriole,  Baltimore  
Oriole,  Orchard  

668 

670 
671 
56i 
560 

Mycteriinae 

?6i 

Myiarchus 

483 

Myiarchus  crinitus  

S32 

Ospreys.  .                              .    .    .    . 

48? 

Myiochanes  
Myiochanes  richardsonii  
Myiochanes  virens  

535 
535 
535 

Otocons  
Otocoris  alpestris  
Otocons  alpestris  hoyti  
Otocoris  alpestris  praticola  
Otus 

540 
540 
542 
54i 

Nannus         

688 

Otus  asio  
Oven-bird 

494 
66; 

Nannus  hiemalis         

688 

Nettion  
Nettion  carolinensis  
Nigger  Goose 

325 
325 

Owl,  American  Hawk  
Owl,  American  Long-eared  

499 
486 

Nighthawk 

Owl    Barn 

484 

Nighthawk,  Henry's  

525 

Owl,  Barred   

489 

Nighthawk,  Bennett's  

524 

Owl,  Great  Gray  

490 

Nighthawks  

521 

Owl,  Great  Horned           

495 

Nomonyx  
Nomonyx  dominicus  
Nonpareil  
Nucifraga  
Nucifraga  columbiana  

346 
346 
612 

549 
^49 

Owl,  Richardson's  
Owl,  Saw-  whet  
Owl,  Screech  
Owl,  Short-eared  
Owl    Snowy 

491 
493 
494 
488 
488 

Numenius             .    . 

Owls 

484 

Numenius  americanus 

Owls    Barn 

484 

Numenius  borealis 

Owls   Horned 

486 

Numenius  hudsonicus 

486 

Numenius  longirostris 

42  7 

Nutcracker,  Clarke's  

549 

Oxyechus  vociferus  

427 

Nuthatch,  Brown-headed  

696 

Nuthatch,  Red-breasted  
Nuthatch,  White-breasted  
Nuthatches  

695 
694 
694 

P 

Paludicolae       

375 

Nuttallornis  
Nuttallornis  borealis  
Nyctala  acadica  
Nyctala  tengmalmi  richardsoni.. 
Nyctanassa  
Nyctanassa  violacea  
Nyctea  

534 
534 
493 
491 

373 

373 

407 

Pandion  
Pandion  haliaetus  carolinensis.  . 
Pandioninae  
Pandas  
Paroquet,  Carolina  
Paroquets  
Parrots                                  

483 
483 
483 
697 

5°i 
5°i 
501 

Nyctea  nyctea  

Partridge                              

436 

Nycticorax  
Nycticorax  nycticorax  naevius.  .  . 
Nycticorax  violaceus  

372 

372 

373 

Partridge,  Spruce  
Partridges  
Parus  atricapillus  

435 
432 
698 

INDEX 


759 


697 

700 

700 
57° 
57° 


Parus  bicolor 

Parus  carolinensis 

Parus  hudsonicus 

Passer 

Passer  domesticus 

Passer  montanus 

Passerculus 

Passerculus     sandwichensis     sa- 
vanna  

Passerella 

Passerella  iliaca 

Passeres 

Passerherbulus 

Passerherbulus   caudacutus  nel- 

soni 

Passerina 

Passerina  ciris 612 

Passerina  cyanea 611 

Pedicecetes 441 

Pedioecetes     phasianellus     cani- 

pestris 441 

Peep 406,  408 

Pelecan,  American  White 312 

Pelecan,  Brown 313 

Pelecanidae 311 

Pelecans 307,  311 

Pelecanus 312 


584 

584 
605 
605 
529 
588 

588 
611 


Pelecanus  erythrorhynchos 312 

Pelecanus  fuscus 313 

Pelecanus  occidentalis 313 

Pelidna 407 

Pelidna  alpina  sakhalina 407 

Pelionetta 345 

Penthestes 698 

Penthestes  atricapillus 698 

Penthestes  atricapillus  septen- 

trionalis 699 

Penthestes  carolinensis 700 

Penthestes  hudsonicus 700 

Perching  Birds 529 

Perching  Birds,  Songless 529 

Perdicina? 432 

Perisoreus 545 

Perisoreus  canadensis 545 

Petrochelidon 619 

Petrochelidon  lunifrons 619 

Peuca;a  a3stivalis  bachmanii.  .  .  .  600 

Pewee,  Western  Wood 535 

Pewee,  Wood 535 

Phalacrocoracidae 308 

Phalacrocorax 309 

Phalacrocorax  auritus 309 

Phalacrocorax  auritus  floridanus  3 1  o 

Phalacrocorax  dilophus 309 

Phalacrocorax  dilophus   florida- 
nus   310 

Phalacrocorax  mexicanus 311 

Phalacrocorax  vigua  mexicanus .  311 

Phalarope,  Northern 390 

Phalarope,  Red 390 

Phalarope,  Wilson's 391 

Phalaropes 389 

Fhalaropodidas 389 


Phalaropus 390 

Phalaropus  fulicarius 390 

Phalaropus  lobatus 390 

Phalaropus  tricolor 391 

Phasiani 432 

Phasianidae 442 

Pheasant  Duck 329 

Pheasants 432,  442 

Philohela 395 

Philohela  minor 395 

Phlosotomus 516 

Phlceotomus  pileatus  albieticola .  516 

Phoebe 533 

Phoebe,  Say's 534 

Pica 543 

Pica  pica  hudsonica 543 

Pici 508 

Picicorvus 549 

Picidse 508 

Picinae 508 

Picoides 513 

Picoides  americanus 514 

Picoides  arcticus 513 

Pigeon,  Passenger 444 

Pigeon,  Wild 444 

Pigeons 444 

Pinicola 568 

Pinicola  enucleator  leucura 568 

Pipilo 605 

Pipilo  erythrophthalmus 605 

Pipilo  maculatus  arcticus 607 

Pipit,  American 678 

Pipits 678 

Piranga 615 

Piranga  erythromelas 616 

Piranga  ludoviciana 615 

Piranga  rubra 617 

Pisobia 403 

Pisobia  bairdii 405 

Pisobia  fuscicollis 404 

Pisobia  maculata 403 

Pisobia  minutilla 406 

Planesticus 712 

Planesticus  migratorius 712 

Plataleidae 357 

Plectrophenax 579 

Plectrophenax  nivalis 579 

Plegadis 360 

Plegadis  autumnalis. .  .  . : 360 

Plover,  American  Golden 426 

Plover,  Belted  Piping 429 

Plover,  Black-bellied 425 

Plover,  Field 418 

Plover,  Green 426 

Plover,  Killdeer * 427 

Plover,  Piping 429 

Plover,  Semipalmated 428 

Plover,  Upland 418 

Plovers 425 

Podilymbus 278 

Podilymbus  podiceps 278 

Polioptila 704 

Polioptila  caerulea 704 


760 


INDEX 


Polioptilinae 

704 

478 

Pooecetes 

"?8^ 

c8i 

Pooecetes  gramineus 

rg7 

e»i 

Porzana 

iS? 

Ring-neck  (Plover) 

428 

?8T 

Ring-neck  White  (Plover) 

38? 

Riparia 

622 

384 

622 

280 

280 

Prairie     Pigeon      (see     Golden 
Plover)  

426 

Robin  

712 

Progne  

618 

•* 

Progne  subis  
Protonotaria  
Protonotaria  citrea  
Psittaci  
Psittacidae                 

618 
640 
640 

5°i 
501 

s 

Sanderling  
Sandpiper,  Baird's  
Sandpiper  Bartramian 

409 
405 
418 

Ptarmigan  
Ptarmigan,  Willow  

435 
438 

Sandpiper,  Buff-breasted  
Sandpiper,  Least  

419 

406 

Pygopodes  

G 

Quail  

275 

432 

Sandpiper,  Pectoral  
Sandpiper,  Purple  
Sandpiper,  Red-backed  
Sandpiper,  Sanderling  
Sandpiper,  Semipalmated  
Sandpiper,  Solitary 

403 
402 
407 
409 
408 

41  e 

Quawk  
Querquedula  

372 
326 

Sandpiper,  Spotted  
Sandpiper,  Stilt. 

420 

Querquedula  cyanoptera  

327 

Sandpiper,  Western 

Querquedula  discors  

326 

Sandpiper  White-rumped 

Quiscalus               

564 

Sandpipers 

Quiscalus  quiscula  aeneus  

564 

Sarcorhamphii  

448 

Sayornis  

533 

R 

Rail   Black 

?8C 

Sayornis  phcebe  
Sayornis  saya  
Scolecophagus  carolinus  

533 
534 
562 
ff,-. 

Rail,  Carolina  

383 

Scolopacidae  

TQ  f 

Rail,  King  

381 

Scoter,  Surf  

•2AS 

Rail,  Sora  
Rail,  Virginia  
Rail,  Yellow  

383 
382 
384 

Scoter,  White-  winged  
Scotiaptex  
Scotiaptex  cinerea 

344 
49° 

Rails                375> 

379 

Scotiaptex  nebulosa 

Ralli  379, 
Rallidas  
Rallinae 

380 
380 
?8i 

Seiurus  
Seiurus  aurocapillus  
Seiurus  motacilla 

665 
665 
667 

Rallus 

381 

Seiurus  noveboracensis 

666 

Rallus  elegans 

381 

667 

382 

677 

Raptores  

448 

Setophaga  ruti  cilia  

677 

Raven,  Northern  
Recurvirostra  

546 
392 

Sheldrakes  316 
Shore  Birds  

3i7 
389 

Recurvirostra  americana  
Recurvirostridae  
Redhead  (Duck)  
Redpoll  

392 
392 
332 

574 

Shrike,  Loggerhead  
Shrike,  Migrant  
Shrike,  Northern  
Shrikes  

628 
630 
628 
627 

Redpoll,  Greater  
Redpoll,  Hoary  
Redpoll,  HolbSll's  
Redstart  
Regulinae  
Regulus  •  
Regulus  calendula  
Regulus  satrapa  

576 
573 
575 
677 
702 
702 

7°3 
702 

Sialia  
Sialia  arctica  
Sialia  sialis  
Sialiinae  
Sickle-bill  (Curlew)  
Siskin,  Pine  
Sitta  
Sitta  canadensis  

7i4 
7i5 
7U 
7M 
421 
578 
694 
695 

INDEX 


761 


Sitta  carolinensis 

Sitta  pusilla 

Sittidae 

Skua 

Skuas 

Skunk-head  Coot  (Duck) 

Snake  Birds 

Snipe,  English 


694 
696 
694 
288 
286 
345 
3°7 
397 
397 
398 


Snipe,  Jack.  . 

Snipe,  Red-breasted 

Snipe,  Stone 

Snipe,     Western     Red-breasted 

(see  Long-billed  Dowitcher) ...  399 

Snipe,  Wilson's 397 

Snipes 395 

Snowbird 598 

Snow  Bunting 579 

Snow  Flake 579 

Solitaire,  Townsend's 705 

Solitaires 705 

Somateria 342 

Somateria  dresseri 342 

Somateria  spectabilis 343 

Song  Birds 540 

Sparrow,  Bachman's 600 

Sparrow,  Chipping 595 

Sparrow,  Clay-colored 596 

Sparrow,  English 570 

Sparrow,  European  Tree 571 

Sparrow,  Field 597 

Sparrow,  Fox 605 

Sparrow,  Gambel's 592 

Sparrow,  Golden-crowned 592 

Sparrow,  Grasshopper 585 

Sparrow,  Harris's 590 

Sparrow,  Henslow's 586 

Sparrow,  House 570 

Sparrow,  Intermediate 592 

Sparrow,  Lark 589 

Sparrow,  Leconte's 586 

Sparrow,  Lincoln's 602 

Sparrow,  Nelson's  Sharp-tailed..  588 

Sparrow,  Savanna 584 

Sparrow,  Song 60 1 

Sparrow,  Swamp 604 

Sparrow,  Tree 594 

Sparrow,  Vesper 583 

Sparrow,  White-crowned 591 

Sparrow,  White-throated 593 

Sparrow,  Yellow- winged 585 

Sparrows .  565 

Spatula 328 

Spatula  clypeata ; 328 

Speckle-belly '. 350 

Sphyrapicus 515 

Sphyrapicus  varius 515 

Spinus • 578 

Spinus  pinus 578 

Spinus  tristis 577 

Spiza 613 

Spiza  americana 613 

Spizella:: 594 

Spizella  monticola 594 


Spizella  pallida 596 

Spizella  passerina 595 

Spizella  pusilla 597 

Spizella  socialis 595 

Spoon-bill  (Duck) 328 

Spoonbill,  Roseate 357 

Spoonbills 357 

Sprig-tail  (Duck) 329 

Squatarola 425 

Squatarola  squatarola 425 

Stake-dnver 363 

Steganopodes 307 

Steganopus 391 

Steganopus  tricolor 391 

Stelgidopteryx 623 

Stelgidopteryx  serripennis 623 

Stercorariidae 286 

Stercorarius 286 

Stercorarius  longicaudus 287 

Stercorarius  parasiticus 287 

Stercorarius  pomarinus 286 

Sterna 299 

Sterna  antillarum 303 

Sterna  caspia 299 

Sterna  forsteri 301 

Sterna  hirundo 302 

Sterna  maxima 300 

Sterna  paradisaea 303 

Sterna  tschegrava 299 

Sterninae 

Sternula 

Stilt,  Black-necked 

Stilts 

Storks 

Striges 

Strigidae 

Strix 

Strix  pratincola 

Strix  varia 

Sturnella 

Sturnella  magna 

Sturnella  magna  argutula 

Sturnella  neglecta 

Surf  Birds 


297 
3°3 
394 
392 
360 
484 
486 
489 
484 
489 
557 
557 
558 
559 
43° 


Surf  Scoter  (Duck) 345 

Surnia 499 

Surnia  ulula  caparoch ,.  499 

Swallow,  Bank 622 

Swallow,  Barn 620 

Swallow,  Cliff 619 

Swallow,  Northern  Violet-green  622 

Swallow,  Rough- winged 623 

Swallow,  Tree 621 

Swallow,  White-bellied 621 

Swallows 618 

Swan,  Trumpeter 356 

Swan,  Whistling 354 

Swans 316,  354 

Swift,  Chimney 526 

Swifts 521,  525 

Swifts,  Sharp-tailed 526 

Swimmers,  Long- winged 286 

Swimmers.  Totipalmate 307 


762 


INDEX 


Swimmers,  Lamellirostral  
Sylvania  canadensis  
Sylvania  mitrata  
Sylvania  pusilla  
Sylviidas  
Symphemia  semipalmata  
Symp  hernia  semipalmata  inornata 
Synthliboramphus  
Synthliboramphus  antiquus.  .  .  . 
Syrnium  nebulosum  

T 

316 
676 
674 
675 
702 
416 
417 
280 
280 
489 

622 
621 
622 
467 

615 
616 
617 
614 
614 
361 
326 
327 
325 
4i3 
414 
690 
690 
692 
303 
3°4 
299 

301 
298 

3°3 
3°4 
300 
306 
297 
432 
435 
683 
680 
711 

Thryomanes  bewickii  
Thryothorus  
Thryothorus  bewickii  
Thryothorus  ludovicianus  
Thunder-pump  
Tinnunculus  
Titlark  
Titmice  
Titmouse,  Tufted  
Totanus  
Totamis  flavipes  
Totanus  melanoleucus 

686 
684 
686 
684 
363 
479 
678 
697 
697 

413 
414 

413 

605 
607 
605 
683 
683 
401 
407 
405 
401 
404 
403 
402 
406 
527 
527 

52? 
687 
687 
688 
688 
688 
684 
5°4 
419 
419 

7°5 
707 
709 
710 
711 
708 
708 
707 
710 
442 
442 
43i 
43i 
439 
439 
529 
53° 
53° 

418 
281 

Totanus  solitarius  

Tachycineta  thalassina  lepida.  .. 
Tachy  triorchis  
Tanager,  Louisiana  
Tanager,  Scarlet  
Tanager,  Summer  
Tanagers  
Tangaridae  
Tantalus  loculator  
Teal,  Blue-winged  
Teal,  Cinnamon  
Teal   Green-winged 

Toxostoma  

Toxostoma  ruf  um  
Tringa   

Tringa  alpina  pacifica  
Tringa  bairdii  
Tringa  canutus  
Tringa  fuscicollis  
Tringa  maculata  
Tringa  mantima  
Tringa  minutilla  
Trochili 

Tell-tale  

Trochilidae  
Trochilus 

Tell-tale    Little 

Telmatodytes  
Telmatodytes  palustris  
Telmatodytes  palustris  iliacus... 
Tern,  Arctic  
Tern,  Black  
Tern,  Caspian  
Tern   Common 

Troglodytes  aedon  

Troglodytes  aedon  parkmani...  . 
Troglodytes  aztecus  
Troglodytes  hiemalis  
Troglodytidae  

Tern,  Forster's  
Tern   Gull-billed 

Tryngites                          

Tern    Least 

Tryngites  subruficollis  
Turdidas                                  

Tern,  Royal  

Turdinae  

Tern,  White-  winged  Black  
Terns  288, 
Tetraonidae  
Tetraoninae  
Thrasher,  Brown  
Thrashers  
Thrush,  Alma's  
Thrush    Bicknell's 

Turdus  aliciae  bicknelli  
Turdus  aonalaschkae  pallasii  

Turdus  fuscescens  salicicola  
Turdus  mustelinus  

Turdus  ustulatus  swainsonii  .... 
Turkey   Wild       

Thrush,  Brown  (see  Thrasher)  .  . 
Thrush,     Golden-crowned     (see 
Oven-bird) 

683 

665 
709 
667 
711 
667 
710 
666 
708 
708 
707 

7°5 
686 

Turkeys                   

Turnstone               

Turnstones  43°> 
Tympanuchus.  .  .  .'  
Tympanuchus  americanus  

Thrush   Gray-cheeked 

Thrush   Grinnel's  Water 

Thrush,  Louisiana  Water  
Thrush,  Olive-backed  
Thrush,  Water  

Tyrannus  
Tyrannus  tyrannus  
Tyrannus  verticalis  

u 

Upland  Plover  
Uria  lomvia.  .  ,                   

Thrush,  Willow  
Thrush,  Wilson's  
Thrush,  Wood  
Thrushes  
Thrvomanes  .  .  . 

INDEX 


763 


Urinator  arcticus  
Urinator  imber  
Urinator  lumme  

V 

Vermivora  

284 
282 
284 

643 

Warbler,     Maryland     Yellow- 
throat  
Warbler,  Mourning  
Warbler,  Myrtle  
Warbler,  Nashville  
Warbler,  Orange-crowned  
Warbler,  Palm  
Warbler,  Parula  

671 
670 
650 
645 
645 
662 
647 

Vermivora  celata  

645 

Warbler,  Prairie  

663 

Vermivora  chrysoptera  
Vermivora  peregrina  

644 
646 

Warbler,  Prothonotary  

640 

Vermivora  pinus  
Vermivora  rubricapilla  
Vireo  
Vireo  bellii  
Vireo  flavifrons  
Vireo  gilvus  

643 
645 
636 

637 
634 
633 

Warbler,  Red-poll  
Warbler,  Swainson's  
Warbler,  Sycamore  
Warbler,  Tennessee  
Warbler,  Wilson's  
Warbler,  Worm-eating  
Warbler   Yellow 

662 
641 
657 
646 

675 
642 
648 

Vireo  griseus  
Vireo  noveboracensis  

636 

636 

Warbler,  Yellow-rumped  
Warblers,  Old  World  

650 
702 

Vireo  olivaceus  

632 
633 

Warblers,  Wood  

638 

Vireo  solitarius  
Vireo,  Bell's  
Vireo,  Blue-headed  -  
Vireo,  Philadelphia  
Vireo,  Red-eyed  

635 
637 
635 
633 
632 

Water  Birds  
Water-thrush  
Water-  thrush,  Grinnell's  
Water-  thrush,  Louisiana  
Water  Turkey  (see  Anhinga)  .  .  . 
Waxwing    Bohemian 

275 
666 
667 
667 
307 

Vireo,  Warbling  
Vireo,  White-eyed  

633 
636 

Waxwing,  Cedar  

625 

Vireo,  Yellow-throated  
Vireonidse  

634 
631 

Whip-poor-will  

024 
522 

Vireos  
Vireosylva  
Vireosylva  gilva  
Vireosylva  olivacea  

631 
632 

633 
632 

Whip-poor-wills  
Whistler  (Duck)  
Widgeon,  American  
Widgeon,  European  
Willet                                              .    . 

5*l 

336 

324 
323 
416 

Vireosylva  philadelphica  
Vulture,  Black  

633 
449 

Willet,  Western  
Wilsonia 

4i7 

Vulture,  Turkey  
Vultures  

449 
448 

Wilsonia  canadensis  

676 

Vultures,  American  

448 

6,4 
67  ? 

Woodcock  

395 

w 

Woodpecker     American    Three- 
toed  

5  J4 

Wagtails  

678 

Woodpecker  Arctic  Three-toed 
Woodpecker   Downy  

5i3 
512 

Warbler,  Bay-breasted  
Warbler,  Black  and  White  
Warbler,  Blackburnian  
Warbler,  Black-poll  
Warbler  Black-throated  Blue 

654 
638 
656 
655 

Woodpecker   Hairy  
Woodpecker   Ivory-billed.  ..... 
Woodpecker   Northern  Hairy.  .. 
Woodpecker   Northern  Pileated 
Woodpecker   Red-bellied 

5n 
508 
5" 
5i6 

qi8 

Warbler,  Black-throated  Green  . 
Warbler,  Blue-winged  
Warbler,  Canadian  

658 

643 
676 

Woodpecker   Red-headed  
Woodpecker   Yellow-bellied.  .  .  . 
Woodpeckers  „  .  . 

517 
515 
508 

Warbler,  Cape  May  

648 

Wren,  Bewick's  

686 

Warbler,  Cerulean  
Warbler,  Chestnut-sided  
Warbler,  Connecticut  
Warbler,  Golden-winged  
Warbler,  Hooded  
Warbler,  Kentucky  
Warbler,  Kirtland's  
Warbler,  Macgillivray's 

652 

653 
669 
644 
674 
668 

659 
671 

Wren,  Carolina  
Wren,  House  
Wren,  Long-billed  Marsh  
Wren,  Parkman's  
Wren,  Prairie  Long-billed  Marsh 
Wren,  Short-billed  Marsh  
Wren,  Winter  
Wrens  

684 
687 
690 
688 
692 
689 
688 
684 

Warbler,  Magnolia  

i 
651 

Wrynecks  

508 

764 


INDEX 


Xanthocephalus 554 

Xanthocephalus  xanthocephalus  554 

Xema 296 

Xema  sabinii 296 


Yellowbird  (see  Goldfinch) 577 

Yellow-legs 514 

Yellow-legs,  Greater 413 

Yellow-legs,  Summer 414 

Yellow-legs,  Winter 413 

Yphantes 561 


Zamelodia 609 

Zamelodia  ludoviciana 609 

Zenaidura 446 

Zenaidura  macroura 446 

Zenaidura  macroura  carolinensis  446 

Zonotrichia 590 

Zonotrichia  albicollis 593 

Zonotrichia  coronata 592 

Zonotrtchia  leucophrys 591 

Zonotrichia  leucophrys  gambelii  592 
Zonotrichia     leucophrys     inter- 
media    592 

Zonotrichia  querula 590 


COUNTIES    OF     ILLINOIS     AND     WISCONSIN 

ALPHABETICALLY   ARRANGED 

ILLINOIS    COUNTIES 


Adams. 

40 

Ford. 

26 

Livingston. 

27 

Randolph. 

83 

Alexander. 

102 

Franklin. 

85 

Logan. 

46 

Richland. 

76 

Bond. 

68 

Fulton. 

34 

McDonough. 

37 

Rock  Island. 

15 

Boone. 

4 

Gallatin. 

92 

McHenry. 

5 

St.  Clair. 

81 

Brown. 

42 

Greene. 

63 

McLean. 

28 

Saline. 

93 

Bureau. 

18 

Grundy. 

22 

Macon.'' 

56 

Sangamon. 

57 

Calhoun. 

62 

Hamilton. 

91 

Macoupin. 

65 

Schuyler. 

4i 

Carroll. 

13 

Hancock. 

39 

Madison. 

67 

Scott. 

60 

Cass. 

43 

Hardin. 

99 

Marion. 

78 

Shelby. 

55 

Champaign. 

49 

Henderson. 

38 

Marshall. 

3° 

Stark. 

3i 

Christian. 

58 

Henry. 

i7 

Mason. 

44 

Stephenson. 

2 

Clark. 

73 

Iroquois. 

25 

Massac. 

IOO 

Tazewell. 

33 

Clay. 

77 

Jackson. 

95 

Menard. 

45 

Union. 

96 

Clinton. 

79 

Jasper. 

71 

Mercer. 

16 

Vermilion. 

So 

Coles. 

53 

Jefferson. 

86 

Monroe. 

82 

Wabash. 

89 

Cook. 

7 

Jersey. 

64 

Montgomery. 

66 

Warren. 

36 

Crawford. 

74 

Jo  Daviess. 

i 

Morgan. 

59 

Washington. 

80 

Cumberland. 

72 

Johnson. 

97 

Moultrie. 

54 

Wayne. 

87 

Dekalb. 

10 

Kane. 

9 

Ogle. 

ii 

White. 

90 

Dewitt. 

47 

Kankakee. 

24 

Peoria. 

32 

Whiteside. 

14 

Douglas. 

52 

Kendall. 

21 

Perry. 

84 

Will. 

23 

DuPage. 

8 

Knox. 

35 

Piatt. 

48 

Williamson. 

94 

Edgar. 

5i 

Lake. 

6 

Pike. 

6! 

Winnebago. 

3 

Edwards. 

88 

La  Salle. 

20 

Pope. 

98 

Woodford. 

29 

Effingham. 

70 

Lawrence. 

75 

Pulaski. 

IOI 

Fayette. 

69 

Lee. 

12 

Putnam. 

19 

WISCONSIN    COUNTIES 

Adams. 

43 

Eau  Claire. 

32    Manitowoc. 

5° 

St.  Croix. 

35 

Apostle  Isls. 

7 

Florence. 

i    Marathon. 

27 

Sauk. 

56 

(See  Ashland 

Co.) 

Fond  du  Lac. 

47    Marinette. 

20 

Sawyer. 

12 

Ashland. 

7 

Forest. 

2    Marquette. 

45 

Shawano. 

25 

Barren. 

M 

Gates. 

15    Milwaukee. 

65 

Sheboygan. 

51 

Bayfield. 

8 

Grant. 

60    Monroe. 

4i 

Taylor. 

16 

Brown. 

23 

Green. 

70    Oconto. 

i9 

Trempealeau. 

38 

Buffalo. 

37 

Green  Lake. 

46    Oneida. 

4 

Vernon. 

58 

Burnett. 

10 

Iowa. 

61    Outagamie. 

24 

Vilas. 

3 

Calumet. 

49 

Iron. 

6    Ozaukee. 

52 

Walworth. 

68 

Chippewa. 

3i 

Jackson. 

39    Pepin. 

34 

Washburn. 

ii 

Clark. 

30 

Jefferson. 

63    Pierce. 

36 

Washington. 

53 

Columbia. 

55 

Juneau. 

42    Polk. 

13 

Waukesha. 

64 

Crawford. 

59 

Kenosha. 

67  :  Portage. 

28 

Waupaca. 

26 

Dane. 

62 

Kewaunee. 

22    Price. 

5 

Waushara. 

44 

Dodge. 

54 

La  Crosse. 

40  '  Racine. 

66 

Winnebago. 

48 

Door. 

21 

Lafayette. 

71    Richland. 

57 

Wood. 

29 

Douglas. 

9 

Langlade. 

1  8    Rock. 

69 

Dunn. 

33 

Lincoln. 

17  '  Rusk. 

15 

766 

TENNESSEE 


ill 

3  1210  00050  "2862 


QL68U 

I3C678  Cory,  Charles  Barney 

1909 

The  birds  of  Illinois  and 
Wisconsin. 


AGRICULTURAL  LIBRARY 

CITRUS  TEtCAFiCH  CENTER  AND 

AGRICULTURAL  EXPERIMENT  STATIC,: 

RIVERSIDE,  CALIFORNIA 


Since  the  completion  of  the  present  work  the  following  changes 
in  nomenclature  have  been  adopted  by  the  Committee  of  the  American 
Ornithologists'  Union  : 

Page  491.  Genus  GLAUX  Morris  again  becomes  CRYPTOGLAUX 
Rich.,  which  necessitates  the  following  changes  in  names 
of  species : 

No.   178.     Cryptoglaux  funerca  ricJiardsoni  (Bonap.). 
No.   179.     Cryptoglanx  acadicus  (Gmel.). 

Page  527.     Genus    TROCH1LUS    Linn,    becomes    ARCHILOCHUS 
Reichenbach,  and  No.  202  becomes  Archilochus  colubris 
(Linn.). 
Page  585.     Genus  COTURN1CULUS    Bonap.  becomes  AMMODRA- 

MUS  Swainson. 
No.  250  is  changed  to  Ammodramus  savannarum  australis 

^Maynard. 

Page  586.  In  changing  the  name  AMMODRAMUS  to  PASSERHER- 
BULUS  at  the  last  moment  before  going  to  press,  the 
author  failed  to  do  so  in  Nos.  251  and  252,  which  should 
read  : 

No.  251.     Passerlicrbidus  henslowi  (Audubon). 
No.  252.     Passcrherbidus  Icconteii  (Audubon). 

Page  656,  No.  319.  Dcndroica  blackburnice  (Gmel.);  this  becomes 
Dcudroica  fuse  a  ( M  u  1 1  e  r ) . 


